002:003 Let no one in any way deceive you, for that day cannot come without the coming of the apostasy first, and the appearing of the man of sin, the son of perdition, who sets himself against, 002:004 and exalts himself above, every so-called `god' or object of worship, and goes the length of taking his seat in the very temple of God, giving it out that he himself is God. 002:005 Do you not remember that while I was still with you I used to tell you all this? 002:006 And now you know what restrains him, in order that his true character may be revealed at his appointed time. 002:007 For lawlessness is already at work in secret; but only until the man who is now exercising a restraining influence is removed, 002:008 and then the Lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will sweep away with the tempest of His anger, and utterly overwhelm by the awful splendour of His Coming. 002:009 The appearing of the Lawless one will be attended by various miracles and tokens and delusive marvels--for so Satan works-- 002:010 and by every kind of wicked deception for those who are on the way to perdition because they did not welcome into their hearts the love of the truth, so that they might be saved. 002:011 And for this reason God sends them a misleading influence that they may believe the lie; 002:012 in order that all may come under judgement who have refused to believe the truth and have taken pleasure in unrighteousness. 002:013 And from us thanks are always due to God on your behalf-- brethren whom the Lord loves--because God from the beginning has chosen you for salvation through the Spirit's sanctifying influence and your belief in the truth. 002:014 To this blessing God has called you by our Good News, so that you may have a share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 002:015 So then, brethren, stand your ground, and hold fast to the teachings which you have received from us, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 002:016 And may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself--and God our Father who has loved us and has given us in His grace eternal consolation and a bright hope-- 002:017 comfort your hearts and make you stedfast in every good work and word. 003:001 Finally, brethren, pray for us, asking that the Lord's Message may be spread rapidly and its glory be displayed, as it was displayed among you; 003:002 and that we may be delivered from wrong-headed and wicked men; for it is not everybody who has faith. 003:003 But the Lord is faithful, and He will make you stedfast and will guard you from the Evil one. 003:004 And we have confidence in the Lord in regard to you that you are doing, and will do, what we command.