Podcast Summary: Cornerstone Chapel - "Mysteries in the Bible: Time of Lawlessness"

Date: October 22, 2025
Host: Cornerstone Chapel
Main Passage: 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2
Series: Mysteries in the Bible (Part 2)

Episode Overview

This episode of Cornerstone Chapel takes a systematic, verse-by-verse look at the next “mystery” discussed in the Bible—Paul’s “mystery of lawlessness.” The teaching centers on 2 Thessalonians 2 and explores scriptural prophecies regarding the rise of lawlessness, the Antichrist, and the timeline of end-times events. The speaker examines key terms, explains theological views such as the Rapture and Tribulation, and encourages listeners to stand firm in faith.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction to "The Mystery of Lawlessness"

[00:00 - 05:00]

• The episode builds on last week’s teaching about the Rapture, shifting to examine the "time of lawlessness" as described in 2 Thessalonians 2.
• Paul refers to "the man of sin," aka "the man of lawlessness" or "son of perdition," who will oppose God and exalt himself in the end times.

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.” — Speaker quoting Paul ([00:02])

Definition of "Mystery"

• The Greek word mysterio means a hidden truth now revealed, not a riddle.
• Some doctrines (e.g., the Rapture) were concealed in the Old Testament but revealed in the New.

Definition of "Lawlessness"

• Lawlessness (Greek: anomia) means “contempt for law” or “wickedness.”
• Specifically refers to defiance against God’s law, aligning with prophecies in Daniel.

End-Times Timeline and Teachings

[05:00 - 18:00]

• The speaker provides a comprehensive timeline, referencing Daniel 9, the Rapture, and the “church age.”
• Discusses differing views on the Rapture (pre-, mid-, post-tribulation):
  • Cornerstone Chapel teaches a pre-tribulation Rapture view.
  • The Tribulation consists of a 7-year period (Daniel’s 70th Week).
  • The first half characterized by a “false peace”; the second half is the “Great Tribulation” or “time of Jacob’s trouble.”

“The last three and a half years will be the worst the world's ever seen, because in the midway point, the Antichrist will break this covenant.” ([14:50])

The Antichrist and the Temple

• There will be a rebuilt temple; the Antichrist will sit in it, declaring himself God.
• Speculation on whether the temple will be on the current Temple Mount or in the City of David.

Three Key End-Time Preceding Events

[18:00 - 40:00]

1. The Rebellion (Apostasy)

   • Before the Day of the Lord (Tribulation), there will be a “great falling away” or apostasy (apostasia), meaning total abandonment of the faith.
   • Linked to 1 Timothy 4:1, as people turn to “doctrines of demons,” New Age beliefs, or outright denial of Christian doctrine.

   “The Bible talks about the opposite of revival happening before the Day of the Lord.” ([19:10])

2. The Restrainer

   • Who or what restrains lawlessness? The speaker identifies the “Restrainer” (Greek switches from neuter to masculine) as the Holy Spirit.
     • The Holy Spirit indwells the Church; when the Church is raptured, the Restrainer “steps aside.”
     • Evil is currently held back; when the Restrainer is out of the way, lawlessness will rise without restraint.

   “He’s playing defense… once the time is up, the Holy Spirit takes a step aside and the Antichrist is at full front for everyone to see.” ([26:20])

3. The Revealing (The Antichrist)

   • The term “Antichrist” is unique to 1 John, but in Revelation he is “the Beast;” Daniel describes him as “the little horn” and “the willful king.”
   • The Antichrist will rise subtly to world power, likely as a charismatic political figure, with a “partner in crime,” the False Prophet.

   “I don't think we'll be here to see it. However, what's to say that he's not alive right now?” ([35:45])

Notable Quotes & Analysis

[throughout]

• On the mystery of iniquity already being present:
  “Paul wrote this 50-some AD… the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. The same is true for us.” ([04:00])

• On speculation about the Antichrist:
  “People have thought Ronald Reagan was the Antichrist. Barney the dinosaur. … Whoever is the Antichrist, I don't think we will be here to see it.” ([35:00])

• On the “Son of Perdition”:
  “That title is only given to Judas and the Antichrist. … I've heard interesting stuff that—will the Antichrist come in the spirit of Judas? I don't know, but it would not shock me…” ([33:12])

• On standing firm:
  “With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching that we passed on to you, both in person and by letter.” ([49:00], quoting 2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Characteristics and Fate of the Antichrist

[40:00 - 50:00]

• Names/Titles in Scripture: Little horn (Daniel 7), Man of Lawlessness (2 Thes 2:3), Beast (Rev 13).
• Traits:
  • Charismatic, political, claims divinity, defies all other religions and the laws of God.
  • Powered by Satan to perform deceptive signs and miracles.

“He will defy everything. I think he’ll defy all religions and have his own religion… a brand new religion that he’s going to make up, because he’s going to defy everything that is considered religious or God or any worship.” ([44:30])

• Eventual Defeat:
  • Christ will destroy the Antichrist “with the breath of his mouth” (i.e., by his word) at the end of the seven years when He returns.

“Whom the Lord will consume with the breath of his mouth, and destroy with the brightness of his coming. Hallelujah for that.” ([48:10])

Comfort, Challenge, and Exhortation

[49:00 - End]

• Despite the heaviness of the topic, Paul (and the speaker) urge believers to stand firm, be comforted, and hold tightly to the Word of God.
• These prophecies should equip and encourage believers for the challenges ahead, preparing them to endure or avoid deception and lawlessness.

“We’re not looking for the Antichrist. We’re looking for Jesus Christ. He’s the author and finisher of our faith. But we want to be prepared…” ([53:15])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] – Introduction, context, and defining terms
• [05:00] – The biblical timeline: Daniel 9, the Church Age, Rapture, and Tribulation
• [17:30] – Rebellion/apostasy explained
• [23:45] – The Restrainer: Holy Spirit’s present work
• [27:15] – When lawlessness will be revealed
• [30:10] – The Antichrist’s rise, titles, and speculation regarding his identity
• [40:00] – The biblical characteristics and fate of the Antichrist
• [49:00] – Exhortation to stand firm and closing encouragement

Summary Table: "Three Preceding Events of the Time of Lawlessness"

| Event | Description | Reference | |---------------|---------------------------------------------------|---------------------| | Apostasy | Global falling away from true Christian faith | 2 Thes 2:3; 1 Tim 4 | | The Restrainer| The Holy Spirit holding back full lawlessness | 2 Thes 2:6-7 | | Revelation | The Antichrist is revealed after prior events | 2 Thes 2:8-10, Dan 7|

Final Encouragements (Speaker’s Tone & Exhortation)

The speaker blends clarity, humor, and pastoral concern. He urges listeners to stay vigilant, study scripture, and prioritize faith in Jesus amid a culture of confusion and speculation.

“Hold a tight grip to the Bible. Don’t let it go. … We’re not looking for the Antichrist; we’re looking for Jesus Christ.” ([53:15])

Listener Takeaway:
Regardless of the specifics of end-times events, the focus should remain on Jesus, standing firm in faith, being equipped by Scripture, and encouraging others to repentance and salvation.