How the Restrainer (Holy Spirit) Holds Back Lawlessness Until God’s Appointed Time
Bible Study Guide
Why the Return of Christ Has Not Already Occurred
There are unbelievers among these early Christian’s who are planting seeds of doubt in their minds of the believers. This unknown person, as if speaking with authority coming from Paul is telling them that Christ has already returned a second time.
In the previous (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) Bible study, Paul explains the proofs behind why the return of Christ has not happened. Here’s the order of things that must occur first.
- The rebellion occurs–falling away from true Christian faith in Christ (Apostasy)
- The man of lawlessness is revealed (Antichrist)
- He will oppose God and set himself up to be worshipped as God (Midway point of Tribulation)
- The return of Christ (Second Coming)
This was to reassure the Thessalonians, as well as us today that Christ has not in fact returned. There is an order that must take place. An order ordained by God. Paul left out one very significant event. An event that had to occur first.
Standing Firm In a Shaking World (2 Thessalonians 2:5)
(Verse 5) Here, Paul explains to them that he has already taught them all these things about the order of events when he was with them last. How easily we forget God’s faithfulness.
This should remind us of the story of the two disciples who were walking on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). In this story, Jesus reminds us of the fragility of faith. He shows us how quickly we can forget the truth taught to us.
Because these new followers of Christ had a very immature faith in their savior, they were vulnerable to worldly influences. Paul was very aware of this. As a result, he realized he needed to reinforce his teachings.
Who Is the Restrainer In the Bible? (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7)
(Verse 6) Now Paul reminds them of who is ultimately holding back the revealing of the Antichrist and eventual Second Coming of Christ. God has a reason and season for all His purposes. There is an ordained proper time for these events to occur. But there is one thing holding them back.
“And now you know what is holding him back,” (2 Thessalonians 2:6)
The One holding him back is the “Holy Spirit.” The “him” is the Antichrist, aka “man of lawlessness” or “man doomed to destruction.” It is the Holy Spirit that is holding back the revealing of the Antichrist, which in turn will begin the Tribulation. Then he will exalt himself as God and demand to be worshipped at the midway point of the Tribulation.
Where does the Holy Spirit reside? He lives in the body of the true believers. Therefore, the Holy Spirit will be removed at the rapture of the Church (body of believers). The believers are the only that is good and representing God in this world. Once were removed, evil will explode under the leadership of the newly revealed “man of lawlessness” (Antichrist).
(Verse 7) Paul reminds them lawlessness is already at work in the world even before the revealing of the Antichrist. This lawless will increase exponentially once the Holy Spirit is removed. This is when the world will welcome the one who opposes all the things of God.
What Signs Today Show Us We Are Nearing the Second Coming of Christ?
This Is the Power of the Restrainer in the Bible
There is much debate about who the restrainer in the bible is. One can take the entirety of the scriptures to properly understand the restrainer and the events around His removal. Or, take an allegorical view of scripture and an abuse of the meaning by treating it like the buffet line at the Golden Corral. Accepting some and avoiding other teachings.
God does not live in a church made by humans. The Holy Spirit of God resides in people made to be His temple, a place for the Holy Spirit to be present for those who believe in His son. He is the only one who has the power to restrain Satan and his works. God is in heaven with Christ at His right hand. It’s the Holy Spirit that came to reside with the believers after Christ ascended to heaven before Pentecost for the final time until His return.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.” (Acts 17:24)
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Closing Reflection
Friends, when people see us, they should see Jesus—and when they see Jesus, they see the Father. This is not symbolic language; it is spiritual reality. According to the restrainer in the Bible, God is actively holding back lawlessness through His people by the power of the Holy Spirit. We, the believers in Jesus Christ, are the restrainers—living vessels through whom God limits evil in this world.
The presence of the Holy Spirit within the Church is the barrier preventing evil from reaching its full and terrifying expression. Remove the Church, and the restraint is gone. What remains is a world given over entirely to rebellion against God. That is not a world I wish to imagine—and gloriously, it is a world the Lord has promised to keep us from.
The celebration of evil will be short-lived. God’s wrath will follow swiftly. If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ, do not wait. Salvation is still offered—but time is running out.
Go Back to the Thessalonians End Times Study Guide
Closing Prayer
Dear Father God,
We thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who lives within us and restrains evil according to Your perfect will. Help us to walk in holiness, courage, and obedience so that when others see us, they see Jesus and are drawn to You. Strengthen Your Church to stand firm in truth as lawlessness increases around us. Keep us faithful, watchful, and bold in our witness until the day You remove Your restraint and bring Your people home. We place our trust fully in You and in the saving power of Jesus Christ.
In His holy and victorious name we pray, Amen.