The Strong Delusion

[Achilles6129]

According to Paul, God sends the entire human race a strong delusion near the time of the end with the goal of essentially rewarding them for their disobedience. They "believe a lie" and are thus trapped into the lake of fire and brimstone for all of eternity. Read for yourself:

"8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Th. 2:8-12

The question is - what is this strong delusion that God sends?

Strong, #1753, energeia,
1) working, efficiency
a) in the NT used only of superhuman power, whether of God or of the Devil

Delusion, #4106, plane,
1) a wandering, a straying about
a) one led astray from the right way, roams hither and thither
2) metaph.
a) mental straying
1) error, wrong opinion relative to morals or religion
b) error which shows itself in action, a wrong mode of acting
c) error, that which leads into error, deceit or fraud

Vine's on "strong delusion": "(c) in His retributive dealings in sending "a working of error" (AV, "strong delusion") upon those under the rule of the Man of Sin who receive not the love of the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness, 2Th 2:11;"

The question, then, is what is this strong delusion? Obviously it has something to do with the antichrist, but it seems to be a very powerful delusion.

The strong delusion must have something to do with discrediting the Bible (remember, they believe a lie). It is my personal opinion that the strong delusion might have something to do with aliens - but I'm not really sure. All I know is that the strong delusion has something to do with the antichrist.

So, what do you think the strong delusion is all about?

 

[brinny]

According to Paul, God sends the entire human race a strong delusion near the time of the end with the goal of essentially rewarding them for their disobedience. They "believe a lie" and are thus trapped into the lake of fire and brimstone for all of eternity. Read for yourself:

"8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." 2 Th. 2:8-12

The question is - what is this strong delusion that God sends?

Strong, #1753, energeia,
1) working, efficiency
a) in the NT used only of superhuman power, whether of God or of the Devil

Delusion, #4106, plane,
1) a wandering, a straying about
a) one led astray from the right way, roams hither and thither
2) metaph.
a) mental straying
1) error, wrong opinion relative to morals or religion
b) error which shows itself in action, a wrong mode of acting
c) error, that which leads into error, deceit or fraud

Vine's on "strong delusion": "(c) in His retributive dealings in sending "a working of error" (AV, "strong delusion") upon those under the rule of the Man of Sin who receive not the love of the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness, 2Th 2:11;"

The question, then, is what is this strong delusion? Obviously it has something to do with the antichrist, but it seems to be a very powerful delusion.

The strong delusion must have something to do with discrediting the Bible (remember, they believe a lie). It is my personal opinion that the strong delusion might have something to do with aliens - but I'm not really sure. All I know is that the strong delusion has something to do with the antichrist.

So, what do you think the strong delusion is all about?

it's here. those in this delusion prefer and embrace it. they love and find pleasure in wickedness. God is going to leave them in it. It is written that God wil not always strive with man. He finally says of such, so be it.

 

[Achilles6129]

it's here. those in this delusion prefer and embrace it. they love and find pleasure in wickedness. God is going to leave them in it. It is written that God wil not always strive with man. He finally says of such, so be it.

So then, what do you believe this strong delusion is?

 

[brinny]

So then, what do you believe this strong delusion is?

God's grace, leaving. Simply allowing them to wallow in un-truth, which is their heart's desire anyway. Delusion is the anti-thesis of truth. He shuts the door to truth to such, just as He Himself shut the door to Noah's ark, as it rained, and before those outside the ark drowned.

 

[Achilles6129]

God's grace, leaving. Simply allowing them to wallow in un-truth, which is their heart's desire anyway. Delusion is the anti-thesis of truth. He shuts the door to truth to such, just as He Himself shut the door to Noah's ark, as it rained, and before those outside the ark drowned.

The context of the verses indicates that the strong delusion has something to do with the antichrist. How can God's grace leave if the two witnesses are still around in the book of Revelation? And, people are still being saved in the book of Revelation?

I think it's more of a discrediting of the Bible. Essentially, the human race has disobeyed the real gospel, so they are simply handed a deception by God which they embrace. It is my personal opinion that this might have something to do with aliens (i.e., "ironclad" evidence against the Bible). There is still a way out of this strong delusion, but not many people can find it because the delusion itself is too powerful, and they have rejected the real gospel.

 

[anthony55]

The strong delusion is God giving men over to believe just about everything but the Truth.

 

[the.Sheepdog]

The strong delusion is God giving men over to believe just about everything but the Truth.

10 points to Anthony!

The born again will not suffer the delusion and are aware of the times and oddities in life now. Some so called Christians actually believe that Barry Soetero (AKA Barrack H Obama) is a good man kind and gentle and loving.

They make him an idol and swoon at his every glance. Meanwhile he fools them with his every act. Pray for those who call themselves Christians but are in strong delusion about the seriousness of the times. They are in peril as time is very short!

 

[NightHawkeye]

The born again will not suffer the delusion and are aware of the times and oddities in life now.

We certainly see the awareness you speak of on this forum, but the diverse opinions expressed suggest delusion to varying degrees.

Don't be so sure that all "born-again" will not suffer from delusion. After all, what is over-confidence but a delusion? Apostasy in the church is well known. Truth is a never-ending quest. One must be constantly alert. (Read a newspaper or watched mainstream media today?)

The early rain produces a yield of but 144,000 out of billions of souls. No one knows what the yield from the latter rain will be.

We are all on an individual journey. For me, it's a daily struggle. I feel God's love, but also seek his guidance and grace.

 

[Brad2009]

I think that its quite possibly related to the abandonment of Christianity in favor of secular humanism as well as the underlying 'science' which props up secular humanism as a 'more likely' truth.

 

[Achilles6129]

I think that its quite possibly related to the abandonment of Christianity in favor of secular humanism as well as the underlying 'science' which props up secular humanism as a 'more likely' truth.

This is essentially what an alien encounter would be all about. Modern science, i.e. "secular humanism" holds to the belief in aliens. Were aliens to come to earth and confirm all of their beliefs, this would appear to be complete 100% "proof" that the Bible is false. That's what I think the strong delusion is. But maybe I'm wrong - only time will tell.

So yeah, I agree with you. I think the strong delusion is definitely related to modern science. Of course, this type of science really isn't science at all.

 

[zeke37]

there is more than one strong delusion sent by God

The Jews are given strong delusions so that the Gentiles could become fellow heirs

and in the end times,
the church will be given strong delusions....
so much so that 2 of 7 churches will worship a disguised Satan
as Christ returned

 

[zeke37]

We certainly see the awareness you speak of on this forum, but the diverse opinions expressed suggest delusion to varying degrees.

Don't be so sure that all "born-again" will not suffer from delusion. After all, what is over-confidence but a delusion? Apostasy in the church is well known. Truth is a never-ending quest. One must be constantly alert. (Read a newspaper or watched mainstream media today?)

The early rain produces a yield of but 144,000 out of billions of souls. No one knows what the yield from the latter rain will be.

We are all on an individual journey. For me, it's a daily struggle. I feel God's love, but also seek his guidance and grace.

excellent post Bro

 

[Almighty's humble servant]

The strong delusion is also the mystery of lawlessness, which basically is the once saved always saved doctrine, that if you believe that God exists, and He sent His Son to die for you that you will enter heaven even without repentance(turning away from sin).

This doctrine is popular with the a/c's religion which is based off karma. If your a good hearted person and do good deeds, that you are saved regardless of how many times you cheat on your spouse or how many people you cheat.

This strong delusion will allow billions to be decieved because they will eat the words a/c has to say when he is come to rebuild and restore the earth to a technological eden.

 

[NightHawkeye]

They "believe a lie" and are thus trapped into the lake of fire and brimstone for all of eternity.
...
The question is - what is this strong delusion that God sends?

Removal of the Holy Spirit ...

This was revealed in the immediately preceding verse of II Thessalonians 2:
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth ...

It seems pretty clear this morning that the "delusion" results from removal of the Holy Spirit. Because of that the delusion will vary from person to person.

Just look at Washington to see what happens when the Holy Spirit is taken out of the way ...

 

[NightHawkeye]

And from 1 Timothy 4:
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

 

[brinny]

The context of the verses indicates that the strong delusion has something to do with the antichrist. How can God's grace leave if the two witnesses are still around in the book of Revelation? And, people are still being saved in the book of Revelation?

I think it's more of a discrediting of the Bible. Essentially, the human race has disobeyed the real gospel, so they are simply handed a deception by God which they embrace. It is my personal opinion that this might have something to do with aliens (i.e., "ironclad" evidence against the Bible). There is still a way out of this strong delusion, but not many people can find it because the delusion itself is too powerful, and they have rejected the real gospel.

Yes, the holy Spirit leaves, meaning the opportunity for grace is gone for those in the delusion...the Holy Spirit has not left God's own, but just is not available to those in the delusion (the grace to be saved). It is gone to them. That door of grace is closed to those in the delusion, just as the door of Noah's ark was closed to those outside the ark.

 

[the.Sheepdog]

The Holy Spirit is sealed in each born again believer yes?

Then the only way for the Holy Spirit to leave, thereby no longer restraining the AC, would be if the believers are raptured !

When Jesus returns to set foot on the Mount of Olives their will be no doubt it is Jesus. The forces of the world against Israel will be destroyed totally! Satan can only fool the foolish who do not know Christ.

 

[NightHawkeye]

How can God's grace leave if the two witnesses are still around in the book of Revelation? And, people are still being saved in the book of Revelation?

Perhaps the answer lies in the message to the churches.

Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

 

[brinny]

The strong delusion is also the mystery of lawlessness, which basically is the once saved always saved doctrine, that if you believe that God exists, and He sent His Son to die for you that you will enter heaven even without repentance(turning away from sin).

This doctrine is popular with the a/c's religion which is based off karma. If your a good hearted person and do good deeds, that you are saved regardless of how many times you cheat on your spouse or how many people you cheat.

This strong delusion will allow billions to be decieved because they will eat the words a/c has to say when he is come to rebuild and restore the earth to a technological eden.

Amen.

 

[zeke37]

Yes, the holy Spirit leaves, meaning the opportunity for grace is gone for those in the delusion...the Holy Spirit has not left God's own, but just is not available to those in the delusion (the grace to be saved). It is gone to them. That door of grace is closed to those in the delusion, just as the door of Noah's ark was closed to those outside the ark.

fantasy...the Holy Spirit does not leave, because Satan goes after believers in Rev12, and the 2 faithfull churches/candlesticks in Rev11, who face the beast, are lit....

the Holy Spirit is not Who is removed...
Satan, the son of Perdition, is removed from heaven by Michael(and his angels),
who is removed from restraining him, on God's Command of course
which marks the 1/2 way point

The Holy Spirit is sealed in each born again believer yes?

absolutely

Then the only way for the Holy Spirit to leave, thereby no longer restraining the AC, would be if the believers are raptured !

since no one is raptured until after the trib,
and Christians are not leaving early...
the Holy Spirit is not removed
as is evident by the fact that there are BELIEVERS in Rev12's last verse, and Rev11's candlesticks=churches

When Jesus returns to set foot on the Mount of Olives their will be no doubt it is Jesus.

His arrival is what reveals Satan for who he really is...
up till then, folks thought he was Jesus (and every other thing called deity

The forces of the world against Israel will be destroyed totally! Satan can only fool the foolish who do not know Christ.

5 of 10 aren't ready when He comes,
2 of 7 churches are apostate/left the faith/worship another in the trib
they are NOT faithful...
they do NOT have patience
only the 144,000 are redeemed of men/earth when He comes