The restrainer (commonly the Holy Spirit indwelling the Church) will be removed, allowing the man of sin to be revealed. Lawlessness flourishes unchecked.
κατέχω (katechō, G2722); ἐξαίρω (exairō, G1808); ἀνομία (anomia, G458)
And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
Auto-linked from key_verses
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
Auto-linked from key_verses
Pre-tribulation rapture theology is thematically connected to the Restrainer being removed before the Tribulation period. The timing debate referenced in the headline involves when the restraining force (Holy Spirit through the Church) is taken away. This theological discussion would naturally encompass the sequence of end-times events including the restrainer's removal.