“Therefore God sends upon them strong delusion”

Like children pulled towards a circus, in 2 Thessalonians 2:11, it is stated that God will send a strong delusion so that people may believe what is false, particularly as a consequence for not loving the truth. This delusion serves as a judgment for those who have rejected the truth and embraced unrighteousness.

2 Thess 2

…   7 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. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan will be with all power and with pretended signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are to perish, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion, to make them believe what is false, 12 so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Chosen for Salvation

13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning[b] to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit[c] and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

RSV

Footnotes

  1. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Other ancient authorities read sin
  2. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Other ancient authorities read as the first converts
  3. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Or of spirit