When I look at the wickedness in this world, I sometimes wonder how much worse things would be if the Lord were not holding something back. Evil is at work, but it does not have unlimited freedom. The devil has never been able to step beyond Almighty God's authority.
Paul wrote:
“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:7
The old word “letteth” means to hinder or restrain. Paul was telling the church that lawlessness was already at work, but something—or someone—was preventing it from fully manifesting.
Who is this restrainer?
I believe the restrainer may be a holy angel, a Watcher commissioned by God to hold evil within its appointed boundaries. I offer that as my interpretation. Paul does not name the restrainer, and I have no business claiming that he plainly identified someone whom he left unnamed. Nevertheless, I believe there is a scriptural foundation for understanding the restrainer as an angel exercising authority given by God.
Daniel recorded:
“I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven.” — Daniel 4:13
This Watcher came with a message concerning judgment upon Nebuchadnezzar. The king might have thought himself beyond correction, but heaven had something to say about his conduct.
The purpose of that judgment was:
“To the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men.” — Daniel 4:17
That is something every generation needs to remember. Earthly rulers have authority, but they answer to the Most High. Heavenly servants also have authority, but theirs is received from Him.
The Watcher did not come with a personal agenda. He came in the service of God’s government.
That is how I understand the possible work of the restrainer: a heavenly servant carrying out an assignment that belongs to the sovereign purposes of God.
Revelation gives us a clear example of an angel receiving authority to restrain Satan:
“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.” — Revelation 20:1–2
Whatever conclusion we reach about the thousand years, we ought to notice who carries out this assignment. John sees an angel lay hold upon Satan and bind him.
The angel acts successfully because he comes with heaven’s authority. The power behind the assignment belongs to God.
Now, Revelation does not call this angel a Watcher, and Paul does not tell us that this is the same being he had in mind. I recognize those limits. But the passage establishes that God can commission an angel to restrain Satan. My interpretation follows that biblical pattern.
Some Christians believe the restrainer is the Holy Spirit. I understand that sincere believers hold this view. However, I have difficulty with the statement that the Holy Spirit will be removed from the earth, especially when the same teaching says people will afterward repent and be saved.
Jesus said:
“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” — John 16:8
Our Lord also said:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” — John 3:5
A sinner needs the work of the Holy Spirit. We cannot convict ourselves into the new birth or produce spiritual life through human determination.
If the Holy Spirit were entirely absent and His saving work had ceased, how could anyone afterward be born of the Spirit?
I recognize that some who identify the restrainer as the Holy Spirit mean that a particular work of restraint ends while His convicting and regenerating work continues. That is a different claim from saying He leaves the earth altogether. We ought to represent their position fairly.
Still, Paul never says, “The Holy Spirit will leave the earth.” For my part, I find the interpretation of an appointed angel more persuasive.
There is another point I do not want us to miss. The removal of restraint does not mean that God has lost control.
Revelation says:
“And after that he must be loosed a little season.” — Revelation 20:3
Even that season has a boundary. Satan does not establish his own timetable. His freedom remains subject to God’s permission, and his judgment remains certain.
I see a possible connection between that passage and Paul’s description of restraint being removed before the final manifestation of wickedness. I understand them as potentially describing the same final outbreak of satanic deception. That connection is an interpretation, but it helps explain how evil can be active now while something greater is still being held back.
Paul leaves us with no uncertainty about the final victory:
“And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:8
The identity of the restrainer may remain a matter of discussion. The authority of Jesus Christ does not.
I believe a holy Watcher may presently be serving under God’s command, restraining the advance of evil until the appointed time. When that assignment ends, the Lord will still govern what follows.
That gives this country preacher reason to keep trusting, keep praying, and keep preaching the gospel. We need discernment in an age of deception. We need faithfulness when wickedness grows bold. And we need confidence in the Lord whose authority stands above every spiritual power.
The devil has boundaries. His opportunity has an end. Jesus Christ will have the final word.
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