For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:7

John Phillips notes

The “mystery of iniquity” is the secret working of lawlessness.

From the beginning, it has been a goal of Satan and his demonic wicked spirits in the heavenlies. to overthrow God’s purposes regarding this planet

The word for “work” here means “to work actively.”

Satan is tireless in his efforts to achieve his plans, but he is up against a major obstacle.

There is One who “hinders and will hinder, until he be taken out of the way.”

The word for “letteth” (hinders) in can be translated “withholds”

Satan encountered God’s restraint when he wanted harm to Job Job 1:6–2:8

There is a Restrainer.

The only One who can restrain Satan and his angels is the Holy Spirit.

The instrument of that restraint, us the mystical body of Christ the church all Christ followers

Nothing can happen, prophetically, until a change occurs and the mighty power that is now restraining Satan and his demonic minions is removed:

He who now hinders will hinder until he be taken out of the way.

As long as the Holy Spirit and all Christ followers remain on earth, the day of grace continues.

As long as it is a day of grace, God won’t pour out His judgments and His wrath on our planet.

The Flood could not come until Noah was safely in the ark.

Fire could not fall from heaven until Lot was safely out of Sodom.

Judgment can’t come until the church is removed from this planet.

The removal means there’s no longer any hinderance to the rapid acceleration of all the twisted wickedness in the world.

The way will be clear for Satan and the Antichrist to take over the world. People will be left to learn for themselves what the world will be like once unrestrained wickedness is given full rein.

The book of Revelation gives us the dread drastic details.

God’s Spirit will no longer restrain the development of the mystery of iniquity,

It’s my theory that there is a progressive lessening of restraint on the debacle of perverse depraved wickedness.

A gradual letting loose of the twisted armies of the Devil.

Once the complete removal all salt and light through Spirit in-dwelt Christ followers all hell will break loose everywhere on everyone.