(SGAT Conference - Afternoon meeting)

In the verses before us we have an apostle in the 1st century lamenting the fact that believers are deceived about the coming again of Christ. Of course we may see that the disciples, right up until the Saviour's ascension were confused for did they not ask Him if He would at that time "restore again the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6).

It has ever been the purpose of the devil to spread confusion about the Bible's teaching of this subject. Such confusion has dire consequences for the people of God.

Error about the second coming of Christ troubles the child of God and shakes them in their minds.

"Now we beseech you, brethren, by (concerning) the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by (concerning) our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand," 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2.

It is not a trivial matter to misinterpret the Holy Scriptures on the subject of the Lord's return.

Paul here is writing to correct the error and so deliver the people of Thessalonica from the ills that such falsehood would breed. It should be noted that Paul clearly says that: "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition," verse 3.

A great "falling away" will come before the return of Christ. Therefore we must be watchful for this apostasy for it will herald the approach of the second advent of Christ. Our subject then has great importance.