'Defund the Police' and the Man of Lawlessness

REPOST: “Defund the Police” is the latest mantra from the political left. After protestors seized six city blocks around Seattle’s East Precinct, police and Mayor Jenny Durkan literally vacated the city, making way for the anarchists to set up what they call an “autonomous zone.” Their demands include the total abolition of law enforcement and the release of all black prisoners, many of whom are convicted violent criminals.     

Not since the 1960s has America seen such social unrest. Some are wondering, “Is this really America?” Others are saying “Defund the Police” is a necessary call to reform corruption in police departments across the United States. Still others, like anti-criminalization activist Mariame Kaba, say, “Yes, we literally mean abolish the police.” 

What is happening in America? Are we approaching the midnight hour of the world's greatest example of freedom? Should this be any surprise to Christians who know their Bible well?

Scripture makes it clear that as we grow closer and closer to the end of the age, lawlessness will prevail. Law and order will become a fading hope. In fact, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul warned about the “man of lawlessness” appearing when the day of the Lord comes.

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

This “man of lawlessness” is none other than the Antichrist, a devil-possessed anarchist mentioned in Bible prophecy in both the Old and New Testaments. To the Thessalonians, Paul writes pointedly, “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan” (2:9). 

Two thousand years ago, some thought the day of the Lord had already taken place and the man of lawlessness had already appeared. Fake news in the form of “a spirit, a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us” had deceived some (2:2). Paul took the opportunity to remind the Thessalonian believers of what he had previously taught them about how a falling away or “rebellion” would precede the coming of the lawless one (2:3). Are we living in such times?

Common sense says that defunding the police will only lead to more lawlessness, more crime, and less safety in our communities. But let’s make no mistake about who is really behind the mantra. “Defund the Police” is merely an appetizer served up by the devil who was the first lawbreaker.

The man of lawlessness is coming, but not before Jesus returns to take His church out of this world. The Rapture is when the Holy Spirit who currently restrains lawlessness will be removed, followed by a seven-year period of time in Bible prophecy known as the Tribulation when anarchy will prevail like the world has never seen before.  

Until the man of lawlessness actually appears, the “mystery of lawlessness” is on full display in Seattle, Washington.