Who is the restraining power that holds back iniquity?
The restraining power is the believer through the work of the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. The Holy Spirit is the hinderer, and because He indwells believers, they hold back the flood of iniquity until the hinderer is taken out of the way.
Les explains that the mystery of iniquity was already working from day one. He identifies the “he” who now hindereth as the Holy Spirit, who is indwelling the believer. Therefore, the believer is the restraining power through the work of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, holding back the flood of iniquity that is coming on the world to introduce the man of sin, the man Antichrist. Les says it is up to us to stand in the gap and hold it back, starting on our knees in the prayer closet, beseeching God.
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
More Questions
Who holds back the Antichrist from taking power until the right time?
Just before the church is taken out of the way, there has to be a person who holds back the Antichrist from usurping the power he is going to have for seven years, and he holds him until the right time.