For Paul, the Man of Lawlessness and Son of Destruction "exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship," "takes his seat in the sanctuary of God," and exhibits "himself as being God."

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. And then that lawless one will be revealed—whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming— whose coming is in accord with the working of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, (2 Thes 2:3-9)