Ques. Please explain "He who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." 2 Thess. 2:7.
Ans. At the present time all those principles of evil that characterize fallen man, are at work among men. Their manifest power and intensity will increase as we near the end of the age.
"Evil men, and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." 2 Tim. 3:13.
"Let" is the old English word for "hinder," or "restraint," and for the present there is a hindering power, keeping these wicked tendencies in check. It is the presence on the earth of the Holy Spirit who dwells in the hearts of believers, and who gives His sanction to the Word of God as it is sounded out in testimony in this world. Yet this will not always be so, for, momentarily the church of God awaits the return of her Lord, to catch His people out of the world to meet Him in the air. (1 Thess. 4:17).
Thus suddenly the apostates on the earth find themselves free from the restraining presence of the Spirit of God in believers, and so Satanic wickedness in men's hearts stride into the open to find its highest expression in the fateful "Wicked one," or Antichrist. (See 2 Thess. 2:8; 1 John 2:18).
Ques. Should the book of the Revelation be read in Reading Meetings?
Ans. It is not wise to say that one portion of the New Testament is more profitable than another: surely we need the teaching of every part of it. Of the Revelation it is specially said,
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Chapter 1:3.
We do not see that the Revelation is unsuitable for a reading meeting. Doubtless some parts would be dwelt on more in detail than other parts. For instance, what is more profitable than to dwell minutely on the addresses to the Seven Churches in the first three chapters? Other chapters might be considered more as to the periods they refer to, with the general scope of their meaning; and other parts again be taken up in their detail as the book is gone through. If there is dependence upon the Lord, will He not lead and guide in all these matters?
Certainly the Revelation is important; for we are exhorted not only to read it, but to keep the things written therein: for the time is at hand. Guidance should be sought from God on each particular occasion as to what part of Scripture should be read at a reading meeting. He knows the hearts of those who usually attend the meeting, and knows best what portion of His Word would be most suitable for them at the time. If there is real dependence upon His guidance, He will guide, and all will be well.
We must not read only favorite portions, or we shall not be thoroughly furnished unto every good work.