end times

The Abomination of Desolation Explained

2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 provides a detailed description of the coming “man of lawlessness,” a figure closely tied to the “Abomination of Desolation” spoken of in the Book of Revelation. Understanding this passage helps us grasp what this prophetic event is and its significance in the end times.

1. The Man of Lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

Paul warns the Thessalonians not to be deceived concerning the Day of the Lord, as certain events must happen first. He identifies the coming of the “man of lawlessness,” who will exalt himself “above every so-called god or object of worship.” This man of lawlessness will even go so far as to sit in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. This echoes the imagery of the “Abomination of Desolation,” a term used in Daniel 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11, and later referenced by Jesus in Matthew 24:15, referring to a blasphemous act of desecration in the holy place.

2. What Is the Abomination of Desolation?

The “Abomination of Desolation” involves an act of profaning something sacred—most notably, the temple of God. In the Old Testament, it likely refers to the desecration of the Jewish temple by foreign powers (e.g., Antiochus IV Epiphanes). However, in the New Testament and particularly in Revelation, it signifies a future event where the Antichrist, or the man of lawlessness, will commit a similar act of ultimate blasphemy.

This event will mark a turning point in eschatological history. The “Abomination” is a visible, identifiable sign that the Antichrist is not just a political or military leader. He opposes God directly and leads others into deception and apostasy. His self-deification in the temple (2 Thessalonians 2:4) is a clear indication of this.

3. The Power Behind the Deception (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)

Paul clarifies that this man of lawlessness will come “in accordance with the work of Satan,” with all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders (v. 9). This mirrors the descriptions in Revelation, where the Antichrist and his false prophet deceive the world through such displays of power (Revelation 13:13-14). The “Abomination of Desolation” includes not just a physical act of desecration but a spiritual delusion. Therefore, many will be led astray by the seeming divine power of the Antichrist.

4. God’s Sovereignty Over This Event (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Though this period of intense deception will occur, God remains sovereign. Verses 11-12 state that God will “send them a powerful delusion” so that those who refuse the truth will believe the lie. This reveals God’s justice—those who persist in rejecting the gospel will ultimately face judgment.

However, it also indicates that the “Abomination of Desolation” is not an unforeseen catastrophe but part of God’s divine plan. Those who trust in Christ are given forewarning and should not be deceived.

5. The Connection to Revelation

In the book of Revelation, the Antichrist is seen leading the world into worship of himself and the dragon (Satan). Revelation 13:5-8 speaks of his blasphemous authority and his persecution of God’s people. The Abomination of Desolation will signal the beginning of the end—the outpouring of God’s final judgment on evil and the return of Christ.

Conclusion: The “Abomination of Desolation” Explained

The “Abomination of Desolation” is more than just a historical or future event. it is a significant moment when the Antichrist desecrates the sacred, exalts himself, and deceives the world through satanic power. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 aligns with Revelation’s prophetic account, warning believers to remain faithful, watchful, and anchored in gospel truth. This event will signal the impending return of Christ and the final judgment on sin and evil.

Mark of the Beast

Revelation 14 says that whoever takes the mark of the beast on their right hand or their forehead will drink the wrath of God.

This isn’t like sinning, praying to God, and then He forgives you. This is unforgivable. When you take the mark of the beast, that means you are beyond repentance. But how will people be able to buy food or sell? How can they get medical attention? How will they be able to feed their babies?

This is why Jesus said you better hope you’re not pregnant and living in the tribulation. You will not receive any help from God when you take the mark of the beast.

After the Rapture

After the Rapture, God could easily walk away from all of humanity left on earth. Instead, God gives it yet another chance!

Matthew 24:14 says the gospel will be preached to the whole world during the tribulation period:

This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:14

The eyes of the Jewish people will be opened. God’s chosen people will experience a massive revival in Israel. Revelation 7 says that 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel, will preach the Gospel of Jesus!

When Will the Rapture Happen?

The Bible tells us that every true believer will literally be caught up to be with the Lord. Some people say the rapture is not going to happen until midway through the tribulation period. Others say the rapture will not happen until the end of the tribulation.

The church, the body of believers, is talked about through the Scripture 77 times between Matthew and the end of revelation 3 where Jesus talks about the seven churches. You don’t hear the church mentioned again until the last chapter of Revelation. And when you go Revelation 4 & 5, there’s the gathering and we’re all worshiping the Lord. That happens before the tribulation period begins. All throughout history when God has judged the world, He always removes his people first.

In the same way God is going to remove his sons and his daughters first and then the apocalypse will begin.

What Jesus Told Us – Matthew 24:5

For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and will mislead many.

Matthew 24:5

In the Olivet discourse, Jesus stresses the importance of not allowing anyone to mislead you. In fact, this is the only thing that Jesus repeats four times the entire sermon (in verses 4, 5, 11, and 24). The word ‘mislead’ means to deceive, and deception has proven to be a crippling blow to humanity.

It all started when Jesus pronounced in Matthew 16 that He would build the Church on the Rock (Himself) and the gates of hell would not overpower it. And satan certainly cannot overpower the True Church that puts its faith and trust in Jesus. But if satan can’t beat the church, he did the next best thing. He joined it.

There are so many different faiths and religions from Catholics to Baptists, from Islam to Buddhists. Satan joined the Church and for those who choose not to read the Bible, the truth of God’s Word, they will get lost in the web of religion!