The mystery of iniquity is, however, opposed to both the spirit and letter of the workings of the mystery of God. The reason is obvious. By his wonderful plan, God not only reveals himself to man, but also points out the dark ways of the power behind the throne of iniquity, thus tearing away the mask which hides his malignant designs upon God and all mankind. This instruction is man's rescue from the slavery of sin, which is the product of this counter mystery. The ground of controversy is, therefore, between these two mysteries, and the mighty struggle is for the final mastery over man, the handiwork of God. But in all his opposition the master of iniquity never lays aside his mysterious character. One would imagine that, to oppose God and his work among men, the opposition would be directed with most spiteful and cruel attacks from a distance, that is, from outside the work and people of God. But no; for then the real animus and intent of the opposer would readily be seen. His method of dealing must be a profound secret; over it must be thrown the mantle of a hushed mystery, because the plan is a deep-laid one, calling for a protracted struggle, of a more relentless nature the longer it is continued. With this hint of what may appear, we look for the work of this mysterious power. By some means the early church received an idea that the Lord's second coming to earth would take place in their day. To correct this, the apostle wrote them saying that such an event could not come until after a "falling away" had occurred, which would reveal a power he terms "the man of sin, the son of perdition," who would oppose and exalt himself "above all that is called God, or that is worshiped." 2 Thess. 2: 2-4. It will be noticed that this is the deepest and most determined rebellion against God. It is not only against God, which covers his kingdom in the heart of man, but against all that is called God, or that is worshiped. Even the very name of God is counted hateful. But will this deep-seated hatred lead to an open avowal of unbelief and opposition?—No, indeed; there is too much wisdom with that power to thus put everybody on guard against him. In his infernal work he plans to have the assistance of many of the very persons who, did they but read his designs, would flee from him as from a viper. How will he do it?—Simply by so cleverly deceiving them as to the nature of himself and his work that, while professing to love and serve God, they will actually join in a work of opposition to him, and so aid in an attack upon the authority of heaven, which without that aid could not possibly be successful. The work of this mystery is carried on, then, not as one of opposition, but under the guise of a friend desirous of advocating the interests of the kingdom of God. To do such a work, it would be necessary for this power to make the mystery with which it is enshrouded, appear to be the mystery of God, engaged in the act of building up his kingdom in the earth. It would thus assume control of men's consciences, and lead them to do whatever he desired, under the plea that it was the work of God. This is just the way this power performed in the early church. In 2 Cor. 11: 13-15 certain persons are called "false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ." But it was no marvel to the apostle that the ministers of Satan should act thus, since it was only the cunning of Satan to transform himself into an angel of light. So it always will be. Satan, the mystery of iniquity, still hides his own character, and assumes the garb of Christ, the mystery of God, in which to do his work of death. It is not strange, therefore, that those whom he employs as his associates also claim to be ministers of righteousness. This indeed is a part of the plan. Satan well knows the enmity against him which God planted in the heart of man immediately succeeding the fall, and that he therefore can succeed in his intentions against man, only by appearing as patron of righteousness. So this supreme head of all iniquity comes as near as possible to God's people, even to sitting in the temple of God—yes, and showing himself to be God, the veriest friend of every virtue. Thus he proclaims himself the spiritual adviser and everlasting benefactor of every lover of God. In this diabolically treacherous manner he hopes to overthrow the dynasty of God in every heart. In his letter of warning to the church, the apostle reminded the members that he had previously told them all about this when personally with them. He also informed them that the mystery of iniquity had already begun its work in the church, which would in due time reveal this wicked one there, who, when he should appear, would continue till destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming. The same mystery of iniquity is still at work in the same way, and just before the Lord's coming will increase his opposition against God, and his name in the earth, and that, too, through the professed people of God, with "all power, and signs, and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." Verses 8-11. Indeed, this very work has already started, and the great closing struggle of the mystery of iniquity for the mastery over the saints, as in the days of old, is just at hand. But the identity of this power, and the nature of its future work, must be reserved for discussion in another paper.