September 21: 2 Thessalonians 2
The Coming of the Lord
2 Now, regarding the coming[a] of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him,[b] we plead with you, beloved friends, 2 not to be easily confused or disturbed in your minds by any kind of spirit, rumor, or letter allegedly from us, claiming that the day of the Lord[c] has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. Before that day comes the rebellion[d] must occur and the “outlaw”[e]—the destructive son—will be revealed in his true light. 4 He is the opposing counterpart who exalts himself over everything that is called “God” or is worshiped[f] and who sits enthroned in God’s temple[g] and makes himself out to be a god.[h]5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I went over all these things?
6 Now you are aware of the ruling power[i] so that he may be fully revealed when his time comes. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness[j] is already active, but the one who prevails[k]will do so until he is separated from out of the midst.[l]8 Then the “outlaw” will be openly revealed, and the Lord will overthrow him by the breath of his mouth[m] and bring him to an end[n] by the dazzling manifestation of his presence.[o]
9 The presence[p] of the “outlaw” is apparent by the activity of Satan, who uses all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, spurious wonders, 10 and every form of evil deception in order to deceive those who are perishing because they rejected the love of the truth[q] that would lead them to being saved. 11 Because of this, God sends them a powerful delusion[r] that leads them to believe what is false. 12 So then all who found their pleasure in unrighteousness and did not believe the truth will be judged.
Chosen for Wholeness
13 We always have to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, for you are dearly loved by the Lord. He proved it by choosing you from the beginning for salvation[s] through the Spirit, who set you apart for holiness, and through your belief in the truth.[t] 14 To this end he handpicked you for salvation through the gospel so that you would have[u] the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.[v]
15 So then, dear family, stand firm with a masterful grip of the teachings[w] we gave you, either by word of mouth or by our letter.[x]
16 Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in his wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, 17 encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in his eyes.[y]