For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] only until he who now restrains it is taken out of the way. II Thessalonians 2:7 (Amplified Bible, AMP)

This is a verse found in the middle of a discussion about the coming antichrist. It tells us that the antichrist will be reveled and all sorts of rebellion and lawlessness will take place once the “restrainer” has been removed. In other words, all sorts of wickness will be on the loose once the rapture has occurred and the church has been removed. The church is the restrainer- made up of true believers who are serious about living for God and resisting the wicked one, satan.

There are some who believe that the “restrainer” who is removed is the Holy Spirit. However, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is the one who draws people to salvation. He is the Agent of salvation. If you read the book of Revelation, there are people who will still get saved during the great tribulation, therefore the Holy Spirit must still be on the earth during that time. The “restrainer” is none other than the Body of Christ.

If we are the ones who restrain the evil that seeks to take over the earth, how do we do it? And are we actively doing what we should be to effectively restrain evil?

One way we restrain is by using our God-given authority to bind the works of the devil. Instead of just looking at the riots, looting and burning going on in our cities, we need to be speaking the Word of God and taking authority over the spirit of rebellion and division seeking to ruin our land. As believers. we have the ability to stop the enemy’s plans and schemes if we will only open up our mouths and command him to stop in the Name of Jesus. And quit speaking about how bad the situation is. Do not add fuel to the enemy’s fire by speaking about what is happening. instead, be the one to restrain his works by telling him to stop what he is doing and leave immediately. Basically, attack the attacker. We don’t have to put up with what is going on. We have the divine authority and power to stop it- and the authority we have is in our mouths.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

Another way we restrain is by praying and repenting before the Lord. Great wickedness, such as the slaughter of millions of bablies, has been allowed to take place in this land and as a result, the protection of God is being lifted. In order for healing to come to our land, we must repent of our wicked ways and repent- both on a personal level and on behalf of our country. Notice this verse says “If MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME.” It is not speaking to the sinner- it is telling the church to get right with God and seek Him. It is up to us to take responsiblity for the state of affairs in our land. It is our negligence and slackness that has permitted the devil to do what he has done. We must repent for sitting idly by while the devil has taken more and more ground.

Finally, we must pray and vote. We must pray and release God’s will in the earth and in our nation in particular. We must pray in the Holy Spirit to pray the perfect will of God for the world’s situation. There is not enough teaching done about the power of prayer and as a result, there has not been nearly enough prayer and intercession going up to God for the United States and the nations of the world. And Christians- we must vote. We must vote the way the Bible instructs- not based on political party or personality but on the policies and actions that support God’s will. We must vote for the person who supports religious liberty, every baby’s right to live, and equal justice for all people. We cannot rely on the media or on the celebrities to tell us what is right and what is happening. We must look at the record of each candiate- what they have done- to determine if they support the things of God or the things that oppose Him.

This is what it means to be the “restrainer”- the one who opposes and holds back evil from taking over. Are you actively doing your part as the restrainer or have you been siting by while the devil has tried to take over? I encourage you- no I implore you- rise up and be the restrainer you are called to be. Stand for the Lord and release His power and will in the earth today. There is simply too much at stake not to.