"The coming of the lawless one is according
to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and
with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not
receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason
God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that
they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in
unrighteousness” (2 Thess 2:9-12)
This prophetic passage refers to the emergence of a future prominent
powerful political figure who will draw many followers through his supernatural
powers. Powers which will not come from God. The Bible has much to say about this character but our interest here is not on his
exploits. We also learn something about God. He influences the hearts of those
who reject the truth and take pleasure in unrighteousness. He moves them to
follow a false leader. He sends “strong delusion, that they should believe the
lie.” The passage highlights some points that are worth considering: (1)
Miracles
are not always from God. (2) God allows the use of miracles to
deceive those who reject the truth (3) God seals the fate of those intent on
following a lie (4) There is condemnation.
Some will find this message objectionable. Some may say, “How could
God do such a thing” or “my God would never lead any to believe a lie and
certainly not “send strong delusion,” heresy! heresy!” But there is a problem
isn’t there? How can something that is clearly stated in the Bible be
heresy? Is it not far more important to know who God really is than to think we
know and be very wrong! This passage may offend but wouldn’t you prefer
to know the truth? The most important revelation in the Bible concerns who God
really is.