Tabernacle Lectures (111) Lamps

2 Thessalonians 2:7 “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.”

These words are telling us that the mystery of lawlessness is already working, and the one who now restrains that work is the church. The mystery of lawlessness is already working even before the church is called to heaven, but because the church is blocking it, this mystery of lawlessness cannot work freely.

The Jews always worked in the midst of darkness. So when they met Jesus who is the Light, they were afraid their sins would be revealed, and they avoided him. Even today, the mystery of lawlessness is being held down by the light of the church. But when the church is called and transported to heaven and is no longer in the world, the mysteries of lawlessness will work powerfully.

If there is no lampstand in the Holy Place, it can only be filled with darkness. If we do not have Jesus Christ in our hearts, we will dwell in darkness. If there is no true church today, the world can only be dark and in chaos. The world is shining brightly because of the church that has the gospel, which is the light.