The Bible speaks clearly about the coming of a strong delusion in the end times, a period marked by widespread deception. This strong delusion, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, is a divine act of allowing those who have persistently rejected the truth of the gospel to be deceived: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason, God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness”. In essence, this passage reveals that God allows a strong delusion to come upon those who have chosen to reject the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, preferring instead to indulge in unrighteousness and disbelief.
God gives each person the choice to accept or reject the truth presented in the Scriptures. Accepting the truth means embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ, which includes obeying His commandments: “This is love for God: to obey His commands” (1 John 5:3). However, when one knows the truth but chooses not to obey, it results in facing God's judgment: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness” (Romans 1:18). The danger here is clear: knowing the truth yet willfully choosing to reject it places a person in a perilous state, making them susceptible to God's righteous condemnation.
Rejecting the truth not only invites God's judgment but also opens the heart to deception and falsehood. The Apostle Paul describes the consequences of such rejection: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:21-22). This passage highlights the foolishness that ensues when individuals turn away from God. Further, in Romans 1:28, it says, “God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done”, illustrating the result of a hardened heart that refuses to repent. Those who persist in such a state not only continue in sin but also encourage others to do the same, further demonstrating their spiritual blindness and moral corruption (Romans 1:32).
The prophet Isaiah echoes this theme of judgment for deliberate disobedience: “They have chosen their own ways, and their souls delight in their abominations; so I [God] also will choose harsh treatment for them and bring upon them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in My sight and chose what displeases Me” (Isaiah 66:3-4). This passage illustrates the reality that when people willfully choose their own sinful paths over God's righteous ways, they position themselves to receive His judgment. God’s response is not arbitrary; it is a result of their continued rejection and rebellion against His revealed truth.
It is essential to understand that God's intent is not to condemn humanity but to save it. The Bible reminds us that “God is love” (1 John 4:16), and He desires that none should perish: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This demonstrates God’s gracious nature, constantly calling people to repentance and faith in Christ. However, when individuals continually reject His call, they eventually become subject to the strong delusion that aligns with their choice to embrace lies over truth.
Ultimately, the Bible warns of the dire consequences for those who reject God’s truth. Jeremiah speaks of this fate, saying, “They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet. So the Lord does not accept them; He will now remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins” (Jeremiah 14:10). This serves as a sobering reminder that the choices we make concerning the truth have eternal consequences. To reject the truth is to embrace a path that leads to destruction, but to accept it is to embrace life and peace with God.
In these final times, the strong delusion is not a random act of divine cruelty but a righteous judgment upon those who persistently reject God's truth and choose wickedness over righteousness. This delusion has already begun, as many turn away from the truth. God, in His love, desires all to come to repentance and know the truth. However, the decision lies with each individual—whether to accept or reject the gospel of Christ. The path to salvation is clear and accessible, but the refusal to follow it leads to dire consequences. As believers, we are called to remain steadfast in truth, continually proclaiming the gospel in love, knowing that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but for everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
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