FOREWORD

Although prepared originally for a Toronto Study Day, these notes have a

much wider value and for this reason the Scripture Study Service is pleased to pre-
sent this new edition.

The Apostle Paul wanted his brethren in Thessalonica to be informed that

Christ would not come until the prophetic forecasts had been fulfilled. A pom-
pous, powerful, blasphemous and deceitful system would arise to lure the shallow

minds of men. This religious system would exalt itself to God’s authority and
although beginning to form even in Paul’s day, it would yet prevail right through
the centuries until destroyed at the return of Christ.
A system of such immense importance is obviously the same as Daniel’s ”little
horn that speaks great things and wears out the saints for 1260 years”.

Could there be any chance that the Revelation is speaking of some entirely dif-
ferent system?

Paul had spent time with the Thessalonians to ensure they had these matters
very clear. The apostle John also had spoken of the Antichrist that ‘it should
come’ and he also affirms that ‘even now already is it in the world’ (1 John 4:3).
Paul and John are in precise accord and the reason for this is that ‘the Spirit was
speaking expressly’ concerning the Great Apostasy to come (1 Tim. 4:1).
Who should be deceived as to the true identity of this Man of Sin? Only those
who should perish; “because they received not the love of the Truth, that they
might be saved” (v.10).
The issues are very serious. We are very grateful to Bro. Abel for the many
hours of research which he has put into this valuable book. May every reader feel
the joy and value of the Truth of God and be stirred to defend it and to preach it.
“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God, even our Father, who hath
loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through
grace, Comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and work.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
The Committee