HOW I UNDERSTAND 2 THESSALONIANS 2:7!

THE KING JAMES VERSION OF 2 THESSALONIANS 2:7

2 Thessalonians 2:7 - For the mystery of iniquity does already work:  only he who now lets will let, until he be taken out of the way. 

THE GREEK FROM WHICH THE KING JAMES WAS TRANSLATED

 το γαρ μυστηριον ηδη ενεργειται της ανομιας μονον ο κατεχων αρτι εως εκ μεσου γενηται

HOW I UNDERSTAND THIS VERSE

The word "he" appears twice in 2 Thessalonians 2:7, and yet, neither appear in the Greek text!  The first "he" is translated from the Greek word arti which is an adverb meaning "now is" or "now exists."  Since the word preceding arti is katecho, which means "to hold fast; to possess," the translators turned it into the phrase "he who now," apparently assuming it is referring to the One Who controls the "now!"  

The second "he" in the verse is translated from the Greek word ginomai which means "made complete," "finished," or "done."  The Greek words ek mesos before ginomai mean "out of the midst" or "out of the way," so the translators decided that since arti was to be the One Who controls the "now," then ginomai must also be that One that releases His control!

However, I have an idea that Paul was not referring to the Holy Spirit.  He has always existed and will always exist!  I would suggest that what existed in Paul's day was the Church.  Jesus said this of those who believed in Him: 

Matthew 5:12-13 - You are the salt of the earth:  but if the salt has lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted?  It is therefore good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 

"Salt" restrains, or slows the process of meat from rotting or decaying.  "Light" reveals truth!  It reveals the wickedness of mankind.  It reveals man's need for a Savior.  It reveals that God has offered His Only Begotten Son to be our Savior.  John wrote:

John 14:17 - Even the Spirit of Truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him:  but you know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you.

John 16:7-11 - Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away:  for if I go not away, the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.  And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  of sin, because they believe not on Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Based upon all these factors, I would suggest that 2 Thessalonians 2:7 be understood as saying:  

For the mystery of iniquity is already at work:  only the body of Christ, the Church, which reveals the wickedness of the world, and slows it from being totally corrupt, will do so until it, the Church, is taken out of the way. 

This is also consistent with the Bible's prophecies that teach the Rapture of the Church (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Th. 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:9).   God's Word shows the last mention of the Church in Revelation 3, and the calling of John up into heaven (Rev. 4:1) before chaos and judgment come upon the earth during the Tribulation (Ch. 6-18)!

So, what does all this mean to those of us who are believers in Jesus Christ?  It means we have work to do while we are still here!  We are to reveal the Gospel message (1 Cor. 15:3-4) to the lost world, and to resist evil with all the strength and wisdom the Lord gives us!  Do not grow weary in well-doing, but be found doing what He has called us to do when He returns for us!

LET'S BE FAITHFUL 'TIL HE COMES FOR US!