| Striking
parallels to the eschatological truths of Daniel 8 are set forth 2
Thessalonians 2 related to the man of sin, the restrainer, the mystery of
iniquity, and the parousia (the second coming of Christ; 2 Thess. 2:8).
These are summarized in the following table.
| Eschatological
Parallels of Daniel 8 and 2 Thessalonians 2 |
|
| 2
Thessalonians 2 |
Daniel
8 |
- Man
of Sin
- The
Restrainer
- Mystery
of lawlessness
- Parousia
(2nd Coming Christ)
- Sanctification
by Spirit
- Belief
in the Truth
|
- Horn
(feminine)
- Horn
(masculine)
- “The
Daily” &
- “The
Transgression Desolating”
- Sanctuary
put right
|
The
eschatological parallel of urgent significance is the relationship of the
cleansing of the sanctuary to the parousia. Those who stand at the
second coming of Christ, with their hopes fulfilled,
will have received the love of the truth of righteousness by faith through
the sanctification of the Spirit (2 Thess. 2:12-13). In order to bear
witness to this truth, Christ, the Author of truth, was born of a woman and
came into this world that He might be the King of righteousness (Jn.
18:36-37), righteousness which comes from God by faith. Belief in the truth
encompasses the point-counterpoint parallel of 1) the sanctuary, both the
heavenly and the human heart, being put right and cleansed, and 2)
sanctification by the Spirit in 2 Thessalonians 2 of those who at the parousia
believe the truth which was witnessed by the King of Righteousness, the
Savior of all men especially those who believe. |