A Layman's Questions

The one holding the Antichrist back in 2 Thessolonians

I have always believed that the due to 2 Thessalonians as well as other passages in a mid-trib rapture. I have also found it interesting that according to some pastors some true believers may be left behind. Regardless of the timing of the saints being taken out the one standing in the way can't be the church for several reasons.

1. The church is the bride of Christ- yet this verse specifically says he
2. In this passage Paul specifically says that day will not come until after the lawless one is revealed.
3. The man of lawlessness is specifically called, in contrast to our Lord, one who once was-now is not, and yet would come if the Spirit of God is holding the Antichrist back through the church how can it be that before the general dispensation of the Holy Spirit this evil was held back.

Based on these and the whole council of God I don't believe the church is the one standing in the way of the son of perdition.