Give Attendance to Reading

I Timothy 4:13 – “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”

In the above text, Paul the aged minister is writing to Timothy the young minister, admonishing him to give attendance to reading, exhortation, and doctrine. I would like to provide, for whatever it may be worth, some instructions to Christians in general, but especially to ministers, regarding reading books.

It is a good thing for Christians and ministers to be readers of good literature. I have heard ministers boast of neglecting to read anything outside of the Bible. While this may sound spiritual to some, I fail to see the spirituality in it. Solomon wisely declared that a wise man will hear, and will increase learning (Proverbs 1:5). Some ministers boast of getting their doctrine solely from the Bible, without any help from any author. I heard one minister say, “My library has only sixty-six books!” These same ministers, however, preach to their people the importance of going to church and being taught. Why is it okay for me to be taught from a man speaking from behind a pulpit, but it is not okay for me to be taught from a man presenting his teaching in the form of a written publication?

Make no mistake about it – caution does need to be exercised when reading literature of any kind. So, I would like to present some “rules for readers.” If you are going to read from sources outside the Bible, here are some guidelines to consider.

#1 – The Bible is Supreme

Fall in love with the Bible! No amount of books can compare to the Bible. I advise new converts and young preachers to read extra-biblical sources very little. It is good for young Christians and young preachers to soak themselves in the Bible, under the leadership of a good pastor, in a good Bible-believing church. Other than reference books (a good dictionary, a concordance, and a Bible dictionary – but not commentaries), do not read sources outside of the Bible until you know what you believe, why you believe it, and until you are sure that reading a different viewpoint will not turn you away from the fundamentals of the faith. When you come to the place that you are ready to read other material than the Bible, never let your time reading ABOUT THE BIBLE replace your time reading the Bible itself.

#2 – A “Good” Library is Better than a “Big” Library

Many young Christians, especially young ministers, when they set out to have their own library, try to build a large library. AVOID THIS! Get books you will actually read. Ask your pastor which authors he can recommend. Bro. Ralph Cox once said that a preacher does not need a big library; just a good one! I would rather have a handful of good, solid books that occupy just one shelf of a bookcase, as to have rooms filled with junk. Do not fall into the trap of buying books for the sake of showing off a large library to your guests.

#3 – Remember that Your Favorite Author is Human

As you begin to read after different authors, you will develop favorite authors. This is fine as long as you never forget that any author you read after is human, and has the capability of being wrong in his opinion. Never develop the attitude that something is truth just because your favorite author believes it. I have several authors that I consider to be my favorites. However, there is no author in my library with whose opinions I agree completely. Do not lose the ability to think for yourself. Do not be afraid to read a book, and say to yourself, “I do not agree with that.” Any author has the capability of being wrong. If you believe everything you read, then stay with the Bible. You can believe everything it says.

#4 – Read a Variety of Subjects

When it comes to reading, do not get in a rut! Read books that cover a variety of subjects. While it is perfectly fine to have a favorite subject to read, venture out into other subjects. Read books that provoke you to pray. Read books that cause you to study the Bible deeper. Read books that cover subjects about which you are passionate. Read books that deal with prophecy. Read books that deal with different aspects of salvation. Read books that cover the great doctrines of the Bible. Read biographies of great Christian men and women. Read missionary narratives. There is too much edifying literature out there to read the same subject all the time!

#5 – Read a Variety of Authors

Personally, I prefer used books over new. I like the old authors much better than contemporary authors. I like Louis Albert Banks, Harry A. Ironside, B.H. Carroll, Vance Havner, Jack Hyles, and many others. But occasionally, when perusing through books at a used book store, I’ll come across a book by an author of which I have never heard. If it appears by thumbing through the book that the author believed in the fundamentals of the faith, I often purchase the book. I have found great authors that I otherwise would have missed.

#6 – Redeem the Time with Reading

We live in a very busy time. There is so much to do. Perhaps the reader says, “I do not have time to read much.” Make time. There is a good chance that you will find yourself in a waiting room of some kind in the next month or so. Instead of inspecting worldly magazines for something worthwhile to read, bring something good to read. As for me, I always have my Bible, as well as something else to read. If I find myself waiting, I read.

#7 – Magazines, Periodicals, Newspapers, Etc.

For a very low price, you can subscribe to good periodicals. Find a few periodicals that are sound in doctrine. By reading periodicals, you will be subjecting yourself to various subjects and authors. My personal favorite periodical is the Sword of the Lord. It is an independent, fundamental, Christian publication. As for secular newspapers and magazines, caution should be exercised. Personally, I subscribe to no secular magazine or newspaper. Of course, there is nothing wrong with many secular magazines, but as Christians and ministers, there is enough Christian material out there to waste time and money with much else.

#8 – Read Authors with Whom You Disagree

Again, I stress that it is very important that you know what you believe and why you believe it before you do much reading at all. But it is good to read after authors with whom you disagree. By reading someone with a differing viewpoint with my own, I am accomplishing some things. First, I am learning! The fact is this: we do not learn much by reading only after those who agree with us! Second, those who disagree with me are giving me reasons why they disagree with me. When I see their reasons for their beliefs, I can make a stronger argument against their teaching when I teach or preach. There are few things worse than a minister trying to slam the Jehovah’s Witnesses, but in doing so, he makes it clear that he doesn’t even know what they believe. In my library, I have literature from organizations that are far from fundamental. I have some of their literature so I can accurately represent them when I speak of what they believe. Third, even though I disagree with the author on a position, the author may have something good to say, which brings me to my next point.

#9 – Learn to Eat the Fish, and Throw Away the Bones

If I am reading a good book when I stumble upon a sentence with which I disagree, I do not throw the book in the trash. As I stated previously, there is no author, minister, preacher, or teacher with whom I agree completely. You may be someone who keeps up with my blog posts, and you may think you agree with everything I say. But I promise you, if we sat down and talked for a while, there would be a verse of scripture that you will see differently than me. But I won’t plug my ears to what you have to say. Even though you may not agree with me on everything, you may say many things from which I can glean. As the saying goes, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.” If the author you are reading disagrees with you on one point, but much of what he says is good, glean from the good and ignore the bad. Look at it this way – what if people quit listening to what YOU have to say because they disagree with one point you make? The fact is that you would have no audience.

#10 – Be a Regular Reader of this Blog!

In all your reading, don’t forget to read my blog! Read it regularly! Subscribe to my posts. There are posts covering many Biblical subjects. Conservative, fundamental, and Bible-believing to the core, I have tried to present the Bible in a way understandable to the reader. Give me feedback. I love to hear from readers. Thanks to everyone who drops me a line to let me know you are reading! As long as you keep reading, I’ll keep writing.

The Church and the Great Tribulation - Part 2

Will the Church Go Through the Great Tribulation? -Continued

The Church IS APPOINTED to Tribulation

So far, we have examined two truths from the book of I Thessalonians; first, that the church is not appointed to suffer the wrath of God; and second, that the church has already been delivered from the wrath to come. In the same book (I Thessalonians), the same author (Paul the apostle) tells us that the church, though not appointed to wrath and delivered from wrath, IS APPOINTED to tribulation:

I Thessalonians 3:3-4 – “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.”

No statement could be clearer. The church is subject to tribulations and afflictions in this life. This truth is reiterated throughout the New Testament.

Luke 21:12 – “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and PERSECUTE you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.”

John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have TRIBULATION: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Acts 14:22 – “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much TRIBULATION enter into the kingdom of God.”

Romans 5:3 – “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that TRIBULATION worketh patience.”

Romans 8:35 – “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall TRIBULATION, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”

II Corinthians 7:4 – “Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our TRIBULATION.”

Revelation 1:9 – “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in TRIBULATION…”

Revelation 2:9 – “I know thy works, and TRIBULATION, and poverty,”

Revelation 2:10 – “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have TRIBULATION ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

The Church is Delivered from Tribulation

Here is what we know thus far from scripture: first, that the church is not appointed to suffer any of the wrath of God; second, that the church is delivered from the wrath of God; third, that the church, although delivered from wrath, is appointed to suffer tribulation.

Now, I present to the reader a fourth point. The church is delivered from tribulation. You say, “Wait a minute! You just said the church would have to suffer tribulation, and now you’re saying that the church is delivered from tribulation!” Yes, that’s what the Bible teaches. There are tribulations I will have to endure, and there are tribulations that will come upon the world that I will never have to go through. Look with me:

Romans 2:5-11 – “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, TRIBULATION AND ANGUISH, UPON EVERY SOUL OF MAN THAT DOETH EVIL, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.”

There is tribulation and anguish reserved, on the day of wrath, for every soul of man that doeth evil. This is tribulation that is directly related to coming of the day of wrath. During this time, there is tribulation and anguish that no part of the church of Jesus Christ will go through; it is reserved entirely for EVERY SOUL OF MAN THAT DOETH EVIL. The “tribulation and anguish” in these verses cannot be the general afflictions and tribulations that are appointed to the church. It must, then, speak of the Great Tribulation, which is reserved, not for the church, but for every soul that doeth evil. Although the church is appointed to suffer tribulations, these verses make it plain that there is tribulation and anguish that is reserved only for evildoers, and not for the church. This tribulation that is reserved for evildoers, and not for the church, is the time period known as the Great Tribulation! We see clearly that there is a difference between the tribulations to which the church is appointed, and the tribulation and anguish reserved for evildoers, the Great Tribulation. When you read a verse that uses the word, “tribulation,” the context of the verse will easily allow you to determine whether he is speaking of the tribulations of this life to which the church is appointed, or the Great Tribulation, which is reserved for evildoers.

There are those who teach that the church will go through, either some or all, of the time period known as the Great Tribulation. Among this crowd, I am often accused of teaching that the church will not suffer. The truth is this – the church of Jesus Christ was born in suffering. The first centuries of the church were stained with blood. In recent years, there has been much persecution against the church today. Muslim countries hate freedom, hate Christians, hate Christ, and hate the church. Christians, on a regular basis in many of these countries, are beheaded for their faith. The Bible teaches plainly that Christian will suffer, and for two millenniums, Christians HAVE SUFFERED.

But although Christians have been suffering for two millenniums, NO CHRISTIAN HAS EVER SUFFERED IN THE TIME PERIOD KNOWN AS THE GREAT TRIBULATION. Paul was beheaded for the gospel. He suffered tribulation. But did Paul suffer in the time period known as the Great Tribulation? No, for that time is yet future. Peter was crucified upside down. He suffered for Christ. But did Peter suffer in the time period known as the Great Tribulation? No, for that time is not yet here. My point is this – the church has suffered for two thousand years, but the church has not gone through the Great Tribulation, for the Great Tribulation has not yet occurred. When a person pulls out the verses that promise tribulation to the church, these verses do not prove that the church will endure the Great Tribulation. This is proven by the fact that saints through the ages have suffered for their faith, as those verses promised, but none of those saints have passed through the Great Tribulation. It is possible to suffer tribulation without suffering during the time period known as the GREAT TRIBULATION! The church does not have to go through the Great Tribulation in order to suffer!

Repentance Delivers from Great Tribulation

We have already seen that the church, though appointed to tribulation, is delivered from the tribulation and anguish that is reserved for evildoers, the Great Tribulation. Now let us examine another verse that promises that repentance delivers from great tribulation:

Revelation 2:20-22 – “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.”

In these verses, Jesus is speaking to the church in Thyatira. Evidently, there was a woman with a spirit like Jezebel, the rebellious woman in the Old Testament. Jesus clearly states that if Jezebel would repent, as well as those who committed adultery with her, they would be delivered from great tribulation. We have already seen that if a person repents and follows Christ, they WILL SUFFER tribulation. But here, we are told that these that committed adultery would be cast into great tribulation, EXCEPT THEY REPENT! Repentance will keep you from the tribulation mentioned in these verses. If you repent, turning to Jesus Christ for salvation, you are appointed to suffer. You will suffer tribulation. But there is a tribulation mentioned here that you will NEVER SUFFER. It can only be the Great Tribulation that is coming upon the whole world.

The Great Tribulation is the Judgment of God

II Thessalonians 1:6 – “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to RECOMPENSE TRIBULATION to them that trouble you.”

Here, we see that there is a tribulation reserved for those who afflicted the saints. Yes, the saints will suffer the afflictions and tribulations of life. But this verse speaks of a tribulation that is recompense, or reimbursement, to those who afflicted the people of God. It is a tribulation reserved for those who afflicted the saints; it is not a tribulation for the saints. It can only be speaking of the Great Tribulation from which we are delivered.

The Great Tribulation is a Time of Wrath

We have already seen clearly that the church is delivered from the wrath of God in its entirety. Jesus referred to the Great Tribulation as “days of vengeance” and “much wrath upon this people”:

Luke 21:20-23 – “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.”

Jesus here speaks of “the desolation.” In Matthew 24, verses 15 and 21, Jesus places the abomination of desolation as being brought about in a time of great tribulation. In the verses above, Jesus states that the days of the desolation, an event taking place in the Great Tribulation, are days of vengeance, and “wrath upon this people.” The days of Great Tribulation are days of wrath, and the church has been delivered by the cross of Christ from the wrath to come.

Concluding Verses

Revelation 3:10 – “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

Luke 21:36 – “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

The Church and the Great Tribulation - Part 1

Will the Church Go Through the Great Tribulation?

Before us we have a much disputed question in our day, a question that sparks interest in some and initiates division in others. Sadly, in spite of the complexity of the doctrine of the second coming of Christ, this one question seems to dominate the entire study of prophecy for some. Some preachers have the idea that studying the subject of prophecy means studying whether or not the church will go through the Great Tribulation. There is so much more in the study of prophecy than simply this question. But this question is legitimate, and I will answer it with scripture.

To understand the question more clearly, one must understand that in the end time, there is a time period known as the Great Tribulation:

Matthew 24:21 – “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”

This time period has not yet happened. It is reserved for the end of time as we know it. It will occur when the Antichrist, the last world dictator, will be revealed. There is another event that will happen in the end of time. It is called the rapture of the church, a time when the true church of Jesus Christ will be raptured, or caught up to meet the Lord in the air:

I Thessalonians 4:16-18 – “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

The great question here is this – I know there is a time period coming known as the Great Tribulation. I know there is an event coming called the rapture of the church. But will the rapture of the church happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation (we refer to this teaching as “Pre-tribulation” or “Pre-trib”), IN THE MIDDLE of the Great Tribulation (we refer to this teaching as “Mid-tribulation” or “Mid-trib”), or AFTER the Great Tribulation (we refer to this teaching as “Post-tribulation” or “Post-trib”)? That is the question.

The Church is not Appointed to Wrath

I touched on this very briefly in my recent posts on the day of the Lord, but I will hit it again as it is necessary. This is the foundational point in answering the question at hand. To see whether or not the church will go through the Great Tribulation, one must understand, first and foremost, that the church of Jesus Christ WILL NOT and MUST NOT suffer the wrath of God.

I Thessalonians 5:9 – “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There can be no misunderstanding here – the church is not appointed to suffer the wrath of God. Concerning this truth, it appears to me that we have much unity in the body of Christ. It seems that all Bible students agree on this one point. I know of no one anywhere who teaches that the church will suffer the wrath of God. Regardless of whether a person believes that the church will depart from this world before, during, or after the Great Tribulation, everyone agrees that the church will not be here for the wrath of God. I know of some who define their position as PRE-WRATH, meaning the church will leave before the wrath of God is poured out. It seems that everyone agrees with this point – the point that the church is not appointed to suffer the wrath of God.

The Church is Delivered from the Wrath to Come

I heard a man tell this story once. He said that in a certain town many years ago there was a tornado that went through, devastating the entire area. There was a church there. The church, like many other buildings in town, was destroyed. People died, including some of the church people. The pastor of the church, who was said to have been a man of God, said that he felt like the tornado was sent by God as wrath and judgment upon that town. The wrath of God that was demonstrated in the tornado, the preacher said, was not APPOINTED for the church in that town, but it was rather appointed for the wicked. But even though the church in that town was not appointed to the wrath of the tornado, the church still suffered some of it. The preacher then used I Thessalonians 5:9, which states that the church is not appointed to wrath, to say that even though the church is NOT APPOINTED to wrath, the church still may have to suffer some of it.

NOT SO! Not only is the church of Jesus Christ not appointed to wrath, but in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary, we are already delivered from wrath!

I Thessalonians 1:10 – “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

Just as sure as the church has been delivered from the pit of hell, not to suffer a single flame of it, the church has also been delivered from the wrath of God, not to suffer a single bit of it.

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Man of Sin - Part 6

Who is Keeping the Antichrist from Being Revealed?

In defining the restrainer, it is important to understand a few principles beforehand. First, the Bible calls this restrainer a “he” in II Thessalonians 2:7. Second, it makes logical sense that He who restrains the Antichrist must be stronger than both the Antichrist and the dragon (Satan) that gives him his power.

Greater is He that is in You

Do we have an individual in scripture who is stronger than the coming Antichrist and the devil who is already in the world? Yes we do!

I John 4:4 – “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

John said, “Greater is he that is in you!” This provokes the question, “Who is in us?” To answer this, let us begin with John’s gospel:

John 1:12 – “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”

According to the above verse, John 1:12, who becomes a son of God? Those who RECEIVE HIM by BELIEVING on His name. You do not become a child of God by baptism; you do not become a child of God by speaking in tongues; you do not become a child of God by submitting to a dress code; you do not become a child of God by faithful church attendance. It is solely and completely by trusting Jesus Christ, believing on Him alone for salvation. At that moment, the sinner becomes a child of God!

The very moment one believes on Jesus Christ for salvation, not only does he become a child of God, but something else happens.

Galatians 4:6 – “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”

Because a person is a son of God, God sends the Spirit of His Son, the Holy Ghost into his heart. Let’s get this straight! A person does not receive the Holy Ghost because he tarried; a person does not receive the Holy Ghost because he has been faithful; a person does not receive the Holy Ghost because he spoke in tongues. The Holy Ghost lives within a person because that person is a child of God!

The Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, lives within you and me who are saved by the grace of God. John was speaking of the Holy Ghost when he said “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” This definitely qualifies the Holy Ghost to be the restrainer. He is greater than the devil, and is therefore greater than the Antichrist who receives his authority from the devil.

Another Look at Judas

In part 3 of this series, I discussed Judas Iscariot – the Antichrist in Christ’s day. It would benefit the reader to read part 3 of this series if you have not already. Judas hanged himself at the time that Christ was on trial. Judas was gone before the Holy Ghost descended on the day of Pentecost. It had to be that way! The Holy Ghost’s arrival itself would hinder the Antichrist from remaining on the scene.

Didn’t the Holy Ghost Exist Before Pentecost?

Critics of my opinion may point out that the Holy Ghost existed before Pentecost. True! David declares the Holy Spirit’s omnipresence:

Psalm 139:7-8 – “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.”

Yes, the Holy Ghost most certainly existed before Pentecost. In addition to this, the Holy Ghost also worked prior to Pentecost. The Holy Ghost came upon men so that they prophesied in the Old Testament. The Holy Ghost departed from men in the Old Testament.

But still yet, Jesus Himself promised TO SEND the Holy Ghost after He ascended to heaven. I did not say that; Christ said that!

John 16:7 – “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

What was special about the Spirit’s descent on the day of Pentecost? If the Holy Ghost was already omnipresent, then what is so exceptional about the day that Christ sent Him on the day of Pentecost?

The answer is simple. Just as the Son received a body in a little town called Bethlehem, the Holy Ghost received a body on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. The body in which the Holy Ghost lives is called the church. In this manner, the Comforter CAME. I hear preachers say, “We need another Pentecost.” Nothing could be further from the truth. We do not need another Pentecost any more than we need another Bethlehem. We do not need another Pentecost any more than we need another Calvary. The Holy Ghost descended on the day of Pentecost to dwell in a body called the church, and He will never depart from the church.

John 14:16 – “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you FOR EVER.”

It is true that Jesus Christ came to this earth as a babe in Bethlehem. After His death, burial, and resurrection, He ascended into heaven, departing from this earth. In the same manner, the Holy Ghost descended from heaven on the day of Pentecost to live in a body called the church. And, just as sure as Jesus departed, ascending to heaven, the Holy Ghost will one day depart from this earth. You say, “I thought the Holy Ghost would never leave the church.” I say, “You’re right. The church is going with Him.” When the Holy Ghost leaves this world, taking the church with Him, then and only then can the man of sin be revealed.

How Can People be Saved after the Holy Ghost is Gone?

Here is a question often brought up by the critics. In their mind, the Holy Ghost cannot be the restrainer because salvation would not be possible if the Holy Ghost is absent. The Holy Ghost, though He will ascend from this earth with the church, will not cease to exist after the church is gone. I am not teaching that, when the Holy Ghost is taken out of the way, that He will be non-existent. Just as the Holy Ghost existed and worked BEFORE his DESCENSION on the day of Pentecost, He will exist and work AFTER his ASCENSION with the church in the rapture. Just as Abraham believed God and was counted righteous before the Holy Ghost DESCENDED, others will believe God and be counted righteous after the Holy Ghost ASCENDS with the church. There was salvation BEFORE the Holy Ghost came in Acts 2, and there will be salvation AFTER the Holy Ghost leaves in the rapture.

The Job Description of the Holy Ghost

Another reason I believe the restrainer is the Holy Ghost is found in His very job description:

John 16:8 – “And when he [the Comforter] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

The One who is restraining the MAN OF SIN is the same One who was sent to reprove the WORLD OF SIN.

The Holy Ghost will one day be removed from the scene, taking the church with Him. But until then, His voice is still crying out:

Revelation 22:17 – “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”