NOW we entreat you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto him: (2)that ye be not
hastily agitated with apprehension, nor troubled, neither by spirit,
nor by discourse, nor by letter, as coming from us, as though the day
of the Lord was instantly approaching. (3)Let no man deceive you in any
way: because that cannot be till the apostasy come first, and the man
of sin appear, the son of perdition, (4)who opposeth himself against,
and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or is the object of
adoration; so that he in the temple of God sitteth as God, exhibiting
himself in public that he is God. (5)Do ye not remember that when I was
yet with you, I told you these things? (6)And now ye know what
withholdeth, that he may be revealed in his own time. (7)For the
mystery of iniquity is already powerfully working; only he that
withholdeth hitherto, will do so till he is removed. (8)And then that
lawless person will appear, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit
of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming;
(9)whose appearing is known by fanatical energy, displayed in all
power, and signs, and lying miracles, (10)and in every unrighteous
delusion among those who perish: in consequence of which things they
received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11)And
for this cause God shall send unto them the energy of delusion, that
they should believe a lie: (12)that they all might be damned who have
not believed the truth, but have taken pleasure in unrighteousness.
(13)But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren,
beloved of the Lord, because God hath elected you from the beginning
unto salvation, by sanctification of the Spirit, and faith in the
truth: (14)whereunto also he called you by our gospel, in order to your
acquisition of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (15)Therefore,
brethren, stand fast, and firmly hold the injunctions delivered to you,
as ye have been taught, whether by our discourse, or by letter.
(16)Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and our God, and Father, who
hath loved us, and given us everlasting consolation, and good hope
through grace, (17)comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good
word and work.