“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day (Return of Jesus Christ) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2 Thessalonians 5: 3:4
From the beginning of time, it has been Satan’s purpose to keep God off the throne; he openly spoke of his plans to the angels of heaven.
“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
“I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation.
On the farthest sides of the north;
Isaiah 14:13
He plans to “sit as God in the temple of God” and “sit on the mount of the congregation.” Sitting on a throne represents power and authority.
The Number One Problem of God’s People
Taking God off the throne has been the biggest problem with God’s people throughout history. It has led up to our opening verse, which is in the context of the soon return of Jesus: A “falling away” and “the son of perdition” taking God’s place on the throne in His temple! This “falling away” opens the door to the illegitimate throne room-a false one, which replaces Jesus’ work as our mediator in heaven. The apostate/deceived condition of God’s church before the return of Christ opens doors for the final work of God’s long-time enemy. It is observable in our society today and rapidly gaining ground!
The work of Satan is often more effective if it is in absentia. Revelation 13 confirms this premise when John describes the origin of the “Beast” (a political/religious power). Satan (the dragon) gives his throne and authority to this institution to take God off the throne and replace Him with an unqualified human.
“…The dragon gave him his power, throne, and great authority.”
Revelation 13:2
When it is all said and done, the world’s problems have their basis in the unholy desire to erase the knowledge of the legitimate Creator and put humans in His place. It is not only the worldly atheist and the humanists; it is also found in the church!
The unbelievers and enemies of God have nowhere to run except to their rulers, nor do they desire to turn to God to resolve their problems (unless they come under great conviction by the work of the Holy Spirit.). Consequently, Satan’s attack is directed toward the faithful believers to get their God off the throne. He wants us to believe God doesn’t deserve to be on the throne. The creation of doubt is an excellent weapon in his hand. Replacing God is a victory for him! He succeeds for a time, but eventually, the end comes (Daniel 7: 22, Revelation 20:10, 2 Thessalonians 2:8)
In church history, we have examples that demonstrate God’s people don’t want God to occupy His rightful position. The edifications and warnings of the Bible are almost always directed toward His people. Why? A simple answer: God knows Satan and his plans, so He warns us. He allows us to see the good, the bad, and the ugly of the journey of God’s people (the Bible) in the desire for us to learn from the past.
If Christians do not know they are in a battle with casualties along the way, Satan has them where he wants them! These Jesus passivists are comfortable and eventually become “lukewarm” in their experience. They think “they need nothing.” Revelation 3: 16-17. But the wise understand their safety in Christ alone. When Christians say, “I’ve got this,” they place themselves on the throne seat and deny the truth Jesus taught us,
“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
Conversely, we have power in Christ;
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Satan’s Methods
Lucifer, now named Satan, wants to replace God, even if it is in absentia. He is fine with someone else catching the fever of replacing God as the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. This is a particular problem when the church takes God off the throne and allows mere man to replace Him.
To make this more granular and personal, it can be a complete disaster in our Christian experience if we put ourselves on the throne instead of letting our leader Jesus direct our path. How does this happen? Trusting yourself more than you trust God and His word to direct your paths.
Some have said Satan will never be on the throne. Long term, this is true, but until he is destroyed in the lake of fire, he occupies the throne in many places, including the lukewarm followers and, yes, even the corporate church in some cases! Satan accomplishes two purposes by taking God off the throne:
1.) The focus is no longer on the power of God but on someone else who is much weaker and human.
2.) The destruction of people for eternity, including those who profess to be a believer but trust more in their works than faith in Christ.
Peter tells us (followers of Christ) to be “sober” and “vigilant” (keeping a careful watch) as Satan begins to understand his time is growing shorter every day. He is looking for people (primarily followers of Christ) he can destroy. His efforts to dethrone God are directed at God’s people in the last days. The others are already in his snare.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
1 Peter 5:8
The fact that this passage is directed towards the church is because Peter addressed this letter to the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,” 1 Peter 1:2
God’s word and church history reveal examples of Israel, the early congregation or church, and the dark ages that took God off the throne. These records are for “our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11.
Let’s take a look at each period in history. Hopefully, we will begin to see the enemy’s hand due to our ancestor’s mistakes and become “sober,” “vigilant,” and aware of the intensified work of the enemy.
Israel’s Mistake of Wanting a King
Before Israel had kings, they were ruled by God’s appointed prophets and judges. One of the most influential was Samuel. As he became older, the people came to him and asked for a king. They wanted to be like other countries that had kings. Also, scripture tells us that Samuel’s sons were corrupt.
Why would God’s people of promise want someone to rule over them other than the Lord? This is a question we should be asking ourselves. Our problems in the world are too complicated for any politician or human to solve. Our great Creator stands in the wings while we put someone weaker and far less wise on the throne. This was the case with God’s people:
Here is that exchange between the Israelites and Samuel:
“Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.” 1 1 Samuel 8: 1-3
The people were worried that corrupt leadership would replace Samuel. This is a legitimate concern, but the people always thought they could figure things out themselves instead of turning to God for solutions.
Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
Verse 4-5
While their reasons were legitimate, their idea of a solution seemed more like peer pressure and the desire to be like the other nations that had a king. Is that happening to our churches today? We want to be like the world, so we compromise. We won’t allow God to find a better way. Our reasons may be legitimate, but those reasons overlook the will of God as already stated in His word!
But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So, Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.
Verse 6-8
Samuel was upset that the people would request such a compromising thing, but he prayed anyway. The people did not pray. What happens to the people of God when they leave the praying up to their pastors and/or leaders? Do they become more dependent on them than God? The answer is yes!
God gives them what they want and reminds Samuel that the people reject God’s rulership and seek to take Him off the throne. God plainly states my people do not want me to “reign over them.”
According to all the works they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. Now, therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them and show them the king’s behavior who will reign over them.
Verses 8-9
From the time they were delivered from Egypt, the people wanted to serve other gods! What?! What a hurt this must have been to the Lord.! The people saw miracles like you, and I have never seen! God not only delivered them from the most powerful nation in the world, but He fed them from heaven. Even their clothes did not wear out. God camped with them in the desert sanctuary. What more could he have done? Despite all this, they were drawn to “other gods.” They wanted a king to rule over them and take God off the throne!
But God gave them one last chance to think about what they were asking. He knew their king’s behavior and how he would treat them. Perhaps, a dim picture of their future with a king would make them change their mind.
That behavior is described in verses 1 Samuel 8: 10-18. Their sons would be taken and used for warfare and his own personal gain. Their daughters would also be taken and put to work in his palace. He would take the best of their products from the fields and give them to his servants. Their servants and livestock he would also take and make his own.
God knows they will be disappointed, so He tells Samuel the ugly truth,
“And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day.”
Verse 18
You would think they would have second thoughts. But they didn’t understand because of their hard hearts and stiff necks. They were on a mission to be like the other countries. So, they responded with a firm “No!”
“No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”
Verse 19-20
Saul would become the first king of God’s people, followed by David, then Solomon. Then God’s people would divide into two camps, Israel and Judah. Between them, they would have forty-two kings. Thirty-one of Judah’s kings were evil (74%). All of Israel’s nineteen kings were evil!
THE NEW COVENANT- GOD BACK ON THE THRONE
Before the Lord returns, God makes a new covenant. God’s new covenant includes these words: “…and they shall be my people.” In the hearts of each true believer, God is on the throne!
For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
Hebrew 8:10
Keep in mind that this covenant is not just for the Jewish people but for all who are “in Christ.” People after Christ is have many of the same problems as ancient Israel.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3: 28-29
We have often heard that the Bible is a story of paradise lost and paradise restored. But it is also the story of God being removed from the throne and God returning to the throne. From distrust to trust, from no faith to faith alone. From the worship of useless idols to the worship of the true Creator God. In fact, this is the last call to the people of planet earth….to worship Him, who is Creator:
“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
Revelation 14:7
The most important question a Christian can ask to be assured of salvation is this:
“Is God on the throne in my life?
Do I trust Him even if my prayers appear don’t go the way I want them to?
Do I turn to him when I have problems and am downcast?
Do I have peace and rest knowing that I have made my petitions to Him and decided to trust Him no matter the outcome?
Do I fully believe His promises as found in Scripture?
Removing God from the throne always involves a distrust of God and trust in weak mortal humans such as ourselves.
Next time, we will discover how God was taken off the throne at the time of the early church. Paul predicted the scattering of the flock.
“For I know this, that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” Acts 20:29
Then during the dark ages, the throne of God was replaced by earthly intermediaries making the sin-pardoning confessional room of Jesus vacant (desolate). Because of the power of the church in Europe, the United States became a hideaway for those who wanted a “coucntry without a king and a church without a pope.” They wanted God back on the throne! They had to leave Europe, where kings and dictators led countries and removed personal freedom. T
But sadly, the United States has begun to take God off the throne again and replace it with politics and force. It started as a lamb-like (Christian) nation with the idea of personal freedom with the ideal of individual religious liberty, but it will eventually take God off the throne and replace him with an image of a beast (Revelation 13).
Knowing this, we must avoid those who would force God back into schools, government, etc., through the unholy combination of politics and big religion. God does not work by force and civil laws. He is the one who offers all humans freedom to choose. Government and religion should never come together. This is called spiritual adultery, i.e., intercorse between church (God’s people) and state (political power). But it has happened in the U.S. anyway! Because Satan wants God off the throne!
Remember and believe the promise of Jesus’ coming kingdom. Then He will be on the throne forever.:
“…the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be left to other people….”
Daniel 2:44