WHAT IS HOLDING HIM BACK / 2 THESSALONIANS 2:6

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 2 Thessalonians 2:6

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

What Is Holding Him Back? Understanding the Restrainer

We live in a world that often feels like it is spinning out of control. Chaos dominates the headlines, and moral boundaries seem to blur more with each passing day. Yet, as chaotic as things appear, scripture reminds us that there is a deliberate, divine boundary line currently set in place.

In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he addresses believers who were shaken, fearing they had somehow missed the Day of the Lord. Paul reassures them by pointing to a profound cosmic reality: a mystery of lawlessness is at work, but it is being actively held in check.

“And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:6

The Divine Restraint

The Thessalonians knew exactly what Paul was talking about, but for centuries, theologians have debated the identity of this “restrainer.” Paul shifts between the neuter (“what is restraining”) in 2 Thessalonians2:6 and the masculine (“he who now restrains”) in 2 Thessalonians 2:7.

The most compelling explanation is that this restraint is God’s restraining influence operating through the Holy Spirit and the local church.

Think of it as a spiritual dam. While the waters of lawlessness and rebellion press hard against it, the Spirit of God—indwelling believers and working through the global church—acts as a powerful barrier. It preserves moral order, spreads the gospel, and prevents ultimate evil from taking total control before the appointed hour. Evil cannot simply do whatever it wants; it is on a strict divine leash.

The Lifting of the Restraint

Scripture warns that this restraint is temporary. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, Paul explains that this barrier will eventually be “taken out of the way” or lifted.

When God allows this restraint to be removed, the man of lawlessness will be fully revealed, and the Day of the Lord will begin. It will be a time of unprecedented deception and judgment for those who rejected the truth.

But for the believer, this is not a message of fear; it is a message of ultimate sovereignty.

Our Mission in the Meantime

If the Holy Spirit uses the church to push back against darkness, then our role right now is vital. We are not called to hide in fear or passively watch the world deteriorate. We are called to be salt and light.

As long as the Restrainer is at work through us, we have a mandate to live righteously, preach the gospel boldly, and stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. Take heart: evil does not have the final say. God is in complete control of history, its timing, and its ultimate conclusion.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You that You are the sovereign Ruler over all history. When the world around us feels chaotic and lawlessness seems to rise, remind us that nothing catches You by surprise. Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who actively works to restrain evil and protect Your people.

We pray that You would strengthen Your church today. Give us the courage to stand firm in the truth, to shine brightly in the darkness, and to share the hope of Christ with a world in need. Keep our hearts anchored in Your promises, knowing that our ultimate victory is secure in You.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Bible Study Tools I Use

NIV Bible
King James Bible
www. biblegateway.com
www.biblestudytools.com
Map Pencils
Strong’s Concordance
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
Ballpoint Pens
Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace