"There's Another One!" (2 Thessalonians 2:7)

Modern medications have allowed the transplantation of many organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys to become a reality. The dark side of these miraculous medications is the side effects. In order to prevent the body from rejecting the donor organ, these medications must suppress the host immune system. While facilitating the implantation of the donor organ, it also makes the patient vulnerable to many infections that would not normally cause a significant disease in an otherwise immunocompetent person, not taking these medications. These opportunistic or nosocomial (hospital acquired) infections have received great attention in the popular media. But a lesser known side effect is the increased incidence of malignancies, particularly skin cancers.

One recent patient of mine had a successful kidney transplantation five years ago. Since then, he has developed numerous skin cancers. The dermatologist caring for this patient would biopsy each new cancer and send the tissue to me for diagnosis. When I called the referring physician to notify him about the new skin cancer, he replied with resignation, “There’s another one!”

Indeed, since his kidney transplantation, this patient has developed 10 new skin cancers. The body’s immune system serves as an important damper and regulator of genetic mutations and events that can lead to cancer. When the immune system is suppressed by these powerful drugs, the risk of developing cancers and life threatening infections is dramatically increased. Our immune system is an important restrainer of infections and cancers.

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 (ESV)

Like our immune system, the Holy Spirit restrains evil-in this world, in my life, and in all believers. Sometimes I think that He is not doing enough. But an even more horrific thought would be if He were not doing any restraining. In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns us, through prophesy, that during the tribulation, the Holy Spirit’s restraining influence will be taken away and, literally, all hell will break loose on this earth.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, if I am alive when the tribulation begins, I will be raptured, taken away in the air, to join my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven. It will be a glorious meeting! But for many others who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ, they will remain on this earth, and be subject to a world dominated by Satan and evil unrestrained by the Holy Spirit.

No one has to experience this horrific scenario. Confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. The instant you do, the Holy Spirit will indwell within you and will begin His redemptive work of restraining evil and transforming you into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ.

Praise God!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.