What MUST Happen Before the Antichrist is Revealed? Something “NEW” to Consider

Posted Sept 21, 2025 | End Times Watch | River Wilde

As followers of the end times prophecies, many of us are focused upon the arrival of the Antichrist, to be displayed upon the world stage as the earth’s New Leader. This will mark one of the most prophetic “timestamps” of the last days, beginning the final seven years of earth.

We know through our studies that the antichrist will be instrumental in creating and implementing the seven-year peace agreement between Israel and neighboring countries, allowing a new temple to be built in Israel by the Jewish people.

If you are following this blog, you know that this agreement is already in the process of development, and will officially be signed very soon, most likely this year, 2025.

My recent study has been centered upon a scripture that I have read many times, but has recently brought me new curiosity. I’d like to share this research with you so that you can prayerfully come to your own conclusion.

2 Thessalonians 2:3:

“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;” (KJV)

There is an event that must occur prior to the world meeting the “Son of Perdition” (the antichrist). An event notable, “except there come a falling away first.” Many biblical scholars have interpreted this to mean a falling away from Jesus Christ. This is how I understood the scripture as well…until just a few days ago when I took a deep dive into the words “Falling Away.”

With the advancement of research abilities that are now available, I was able to go back prior to the translation of the bible into the KJV. In doing so, I found something fascinating!

The words “falling away” were translated from the Greek word ἀποστασία (apostasia).

Here’s a breakdown:

• ἀποστασία (apostasia) → literally means departure, revolt, rebellion, defection, forsaking.
• Root word: ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi) → “to depart, withdraw, fall away, remove oneself.”

Some Bible teachers emphasize that “apostasia” could mean a spiritual departure (apostasy from the faith), while others note it could mean a physical departure (rapture/being taken away), since the root simply means “departure.” Humm…That’s interesting, right?

Root meaning

• Apostasia comes from aphistēmi, meaning “to depart, to remove, to withdraw.”
• In classical Greek and early Koine usage, apostasia could mean either:
  • a political or religious rebellion/defection (most common)
  • a physical departure/separation (less common, but possible).

Could this scripture be talking about the event of the “Rapture” must happen before the antichrist is revealed? Let’s explore this new consideration:

Some prophecy teachers (like E. Schuyler English in the 20th century) argued Paul meant “the departure” as in the Church’s departure from earth (rapture) before the man of sin is revealed.

They point out that Paul just spoke about our gathering to Christ in 2 Thessalonians 2:1 — so “the departure” might be a continuation of that thought.

However, this is not the mainstream scholarly translation. Most agree it means a religious apostasy in the end times.

So, while the traditional reading is apostasy from the faith, there is a legitimate linguistic argument that Paul may have been hinting at a physical departure (rapture) happening before the Antichrist is revealed.

Let’s walk through the early English Bibles before the KJV (1611) and how they rendered 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This shows how translators wrestled with the Greek apostasia:

Let’s look at those early translations of the Bible to get more insight:

Early English Translations

Wycliffe Bible (1384)
“…for no but departing away come first, and the man of sin be showed…”
→ Here it’s “departing away” (sounds like a physical departure, though Wycliffe meant rebellion).

Tyndale Bible (1526)
“…for the Lord shall not come except there come a departing first, and that man of sin be opened…”
→ Tyndale used “departing”, very close to the literal meaning “departure.”

Coverdale Bible (1535)
“…except there come a departing first, and that man of sin be disclosed…”
→ Again “departing.”

Geneva Bible (1560)
“…for that day shall not come, except there come a departing first, and that man of sin be disclosed…”
→ Geneva also used “departing.”

Bishops’ Bible (1568)
“…except there come a departing first…”
→ Same choice: “departing.”

King James Version (1611)
“…except there come a falling away first…”
→ This was the first major English Bible to choose “falling away” instead of “departing.”

Why does this matter?

For about 200 years before the KJV, English readers saw the word as “departing.”

Only with the KJV did the focus shift strongly toward apostasy (falling away).

This has fueled the argument that Paul could have meant “the departure” of the Church (rapture) — and early translators may have leaned that direction.

So, what are your thoughts? Could this scripture be referencing that the rapture of the church MUST happen prior to the antichrist being introduced to the world?

Here’s another point to consider. If you live in the United State of America, you might argue that there is a current movement of people coming to know Jesus Christ, and wanting to join “His Church” as believers of Christ. This is the exact opposite of a “falling away” from Christ as interpreted in this scripture.

In many other parts of the world—especially Africa, Asia, and Latin America—the number of people who are coming to faith in Christ is growing rapidly. Entire communities are hearing the gospel for the first time, and churches are multiplying. Reports show strong growth in places like Nigeria, China (despite persecution), India, and the Philippines.

On the other hand, in much of Europe, and parts of Australia—there has been a steady decline in church attendance, belief in the Bible, and identification as Christian. Many describe this as a “falling away” from faith, where cultural Christianity is fading and fewer people are committed to following Christ.

One more point of consideration. There is a great deal of talk regarding the rapture happening this week. Social media is filled with many Christian “Teachers” stating that this will indeed be the case; Occurring Sept 23 & 24, 2025 on the Feast of the Trumpets. If the rapture does not happen as they are preaching, could this be a pivotal point for people turning away from Jesus Christ, in fulfillment of the scripture “Falling Away?”

I have stated this several times before in my writings; I feel strongly that God does not want us to know the exact timing of the rapture, and let me share the reasoning of such a statement.

Remember, the battle that is happening right now is between God and satan. What God shares with us, His Church” is also the same information that satan is privy to.

God has shared His battle plan with us through prophecy, which is written in the bible. I believe this is for us, so that we can prepare not to be deceived, as well as rely upon our faith and strength in our commitment with Jesus Christ as our leader. But a key component of His plan, the Rapture timing, needs to be illusive and kept from the enemy.

Let me explain this further…

When the rapture happens, satan and his team need to explain it away as something else, and not the glorious rescue from Jesus Christ coming for His children. He will actually use it to gain a relationship with those left behind. But his plan has to be coordinated with the timing of the rapture.

Check this out… There is a great deal of talk about the rapture happening soon. Team satan has been selling the concept of a “Allien Mothership” headed towards earth. If you have been following this nonsense, you would see that they keep changing the timing of this arrival. It was Dec 2025, and now the its arrival is announced as “Any Day Now.” Are they planning on using this theory as an explanation of the rapture?

If team satan is going to explain the rapture away as an alien abduction, they need to set the stage prior to this happening. Not knowing the exact day is troublesome for this team. And THIS is why God does not want us to know the exact timing of the rapture. Not to keep this information from “His Church,” but to keep it hidden from satan and his team. Have you ever considered this to be the case?

For all of you reading this writing, let’s understand that God does not want us to know the date of the rapture. He has His reasons why, and let’s all support His wishes. Setting dates can also be very challenging to some people’s testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ when the date comes and goes.

That being said, there are many other aspects of the second coming prophecies that God has written for us to understand, and I choose to spend most of my time researching and learning them more fully. I feel an incredible closeness to God in doing so. I find great peace in knowing the final result of this battle. I am so Thankful that I am on the winning team, and look forward to spending eternity with Jesus Christ and the people that I love, who are also followers of Christ.

There will be hardships for us all, however, there are miracles, protection, strength, and guidance if you are “yoked up” to the Savior. He has given us “Battle Armor” in preparation for this fight. Do you have yours? Do you know how to use it? If not, I invite you to study the Bible and see what all of this means, for there is peace there.

So, this week will come and go, perhaps with nothing spiritually dramatic happening at all. Let’s shift our focus towards living our best life, and accomplishing those things that God has sent us here to do in these last days. Pray to know what they are, and seek guidance in fulfilling these tasks. There are still many people who do not know Jesus Christ. You can help them through your influence on social media. Just introducing the concept of prayer can be very effective in helping others find Christ.

I am praying for all of you, and hope that you can find a moment to pray for me as well. We are on the same team, and we need each other. We are MANY, and our Leader will be victorious. I find such comfort in knowing this.

Keep the faith. Be strong each day by keeping your eye on the prize…Eternal life in a glorious place, under the leadership and love of Jesus Christ. Amen??? YES…AMEN!!!

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