The church for the most part has been given over to delusion concerning its predominant doctrinal positions. There is no pie in the sky “rapture” or associated end-time fantasies.
These delusions are the “result of sin” (or ignorance) and most originated in previous generations.
A person may think that these delusions are simply due to immaturity, however that is not the case.
Christians of that time fell away from the faith according to 2 Thess 2:3 and became “Men of Sin”.
They took pleasure in unrighteousness (2:12) and did not “Love the truth”, as 2 Thess 2:10 explains.
We cannot know the innermost thoughts or actions of Christians from past generations. However, by recognizing that a person reaps what they sow, we can through observing the results of their behavior, ascertain God’s judgment upon them.
Since the Church for the most part clings to the delusions mentioned in this article it can be said that they “did not love the truth” in the past nor do they love it in the present.
2 Thess 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because –
they received not the love of the truth,
that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them “strong delusion”, that they should believe a lie.12 That they all might be damned/judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
2 Thess 2:10 tells us that “loving the truth” results in salvation.
The word “Salvation” does not always refer to “Eternal Life”. In This case, it can refer to being saved from God’s judgment, Matt 3:7. If a Christian person is “saved” from God’s judgment they are obedient, and judgment for correction is not necessary.
It is seen in verse 12 that “finding pleasure in unrighteous behavior” results in “strong Delusion”.
This “Delusion” can also involve those who derive pleasure from those who commit such unrighteous actions, Rm 1:32.
Ro 1:28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and improper conduct. (RSV)
Ro 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (KJV)
Ro 1:32 Though they know God’s decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them but approve those who practice them. (RSV)
Ro 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in them that do them. (KJV)
This applied to Christians of previous generations as well as our generation.
Christians who continue to find pleasure in unrighteous behavior are in danger of being given over to delusion by God so that they can be judged by God, as 2 Thess 2:12 shows.
When Christians are judged, the judgment itself is designed by God to enable the person to overcome the sinfulness that brought about the judgment, as is seen from 1 Cor 11:32.
With this concept understood, it can be seen that God’s judgment of “delusion” has not yet produced the intended correction. The delusion continues in some areas of the Church, therefore “those involved in these delusions continue to “take pleasure in unrighteous behavior”.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
This “judgment” of delusion includes and is designed by God to bring about their repentance, as 1 Cor 11:32 shows.
The Lord consumes the wickedness that brought about this “Judgment” of delusion by using His word, 2 Thess 2:8.
The Bible is “His Word” and that is why Bible study is so important because the study of the Bible can bring a person out of delusion and thus avert judgment. This must be true Bible study, however, and not merely the continuing study of existing traditions.
2Th 2:8 (KJV) — And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy/render idle (Strong’s 2673) with the brightness of his coming:
When a Christian falls away and sins willfully (becomes a “man of sin”) the Lord “consumes the wickedness” with His word in keeping with 1 Cor 11:32.
1 Cor 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Willful sin is the abomination that brings desolation.
Disciplinary Judgment –
“Speaking in parables” is intended to conceal or veil a literal truth, as Jesus said in Mark 4:11-12.
The Bible uses parables/tongues because growth in Christ involves learning new things from the same text. Unlearned Christians grow as they apply themselves to study, 1 Cor 14:23.
1Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
Such a person discovers further truths as they compare spiritual truths with other spiritual truths, 1 Cor 2:13.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
A parable can be used in a disciplinary process as is seen in Isaiah 28.
Mr 4:11 And he said unto them, unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
Mr 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Unbelievers will not understand a parable or a message in Tongues because they only receive spiritual understanding when they commit to Christ Jesus.
Unlearned believers may also have trouble understanding a parable or message in Tongues.
It is easy for us to forget how completely Holy God is. He charges angels with sin, and He dwells in unapproachable light, 1 Tim 6:16.
Moses broke the tablets of God’s law in Ex 32:19 and struck the rock in Num 20:8-12, in His anger.
In keeping with this concept/pattern of recognizing sin in the Church, it is at times easy to react unwisely.
The phrase “Man of sin” refers to a Christian who falls from the faith and into sin 2 Thess 2:3, and we are to recognize that they are being disciplined.
First, we must realize that Christian sin is a violation of the Law of God (1 Jn 3:4, Rm 4:15, 5:13). A person is not held accountable to a law or covenant they have not agreed to be a part of.
Ro 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
Ro 5:13 sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. (RSV)
If a person is charged with sin, they have violated the law or covenant that they are accountable to. In the case of a Christian, we are accountable to the law and covenant with God/Christ. The term “man of sin” in 2 Thess 2:3, therefore, defines a person who tries to keep the Law of God but does not succeed.
This could explain Paul’s statement in 1 Cor 4:4. Paul did not recognize the extent of His sinfulness. It can be safely said that we also do not truly have an accurate picture of our sinfulness.
1Co 4:4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. (RSV)
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he is taken out of the way.
2Th 2:7 (RSV) 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.
A Christian will resist or “let” sin until they “fall away (2:3) and are taken “out of the way”. The way for a Christian is to imitate Jesus.
The phrase “Man of Sin” refers to a Christian who falls away from the faith. For judgment, God can give such a person over to delusion, and they will believe a lie, 2 Thess 2:11.
2 Thess 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Christians judge those within the Church and must leave those outside the Church for God because we do not know the law or rules by which unbelievers are judged 1 Cor 5:12-13.
As Christians, we are to recognize and judge those in the Church because those within the Church know the Law of God.
We as are told to flee from Christian individuals and groups when we understand that their actions are going to bring about God’s discipline, Mark 13:14.
Mark 13:14 KJV — But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
God’s response to the sinfulness of His people can be understood through 1 Cor 11:32.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
In that vein, we should remember that a message in tongues or a parable can veil the truth from two kinds of people, “unlearned” (Christians), and “unbelieving” people in general, 1 Cor 14:23.
A Christian can be involved in varying levels of “unbelief”, Matt 17:19-20.
A mean-spirited or unloving person can be among those who are not going to understand a parable or message in tongues.
The prophet Isaiah’s commission is found in Isaiah 6:9-10.
Isa 6:9 ¶ And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
Isaiah was to shut people’s eyes.
In the case of Christian judgment before someone’s eyes can be shut, they must have been open. This is where the term “the man of sin has fallen away” (2 Thess 2:3) applies to this concept of correction.
Through His prophetic messages, He was to render spiritually sighted people blind, so that they could not convert or be healed.
It was a case of the disciplinary application of this truth. This can be referred to as giving a Christian over to “delusion” so that they can be “judged”, 2 Thess 2:11-12.
2 Thessalonians 2:11 KJV — And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
2Th 2:12 (ASV) that they all might be judged who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
If we take pleasure from “unrighteous” behavior we can expect to suffer loss, 1 Cor 3:15.
1Co 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. This same truth is found in 1 Thess 5:10 and 1 Cor 15:51.
The changes in 1 Thess 5:10 and 1 Cor 15:51 refer to changing from corruption to incorruption. Some will undergo this change, but other Christians will not, they will continue to “sleep” in corruption.
1Co 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Whether they overcome corruption (the flesh nature) and put on incorruption and wake up during this earthly life or not, they will live with Christ because of their faith in Jesus.
The Christian life is much more desirable if they wake up and stop sinning, otherwise, they are constantly being disciplined for sinning. Maintaining a person’s faith while under the condition of continual judgment becomes increasingly more difficult.
In Matthew 13:12-13 Jesus explains the reason that He “speaks in parables”.
Similar to Isaiah’s commission, Jesus indicates that speaking in parables can be used to “take away” the understanding that a person already possesses.
Mt 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Mt 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them, it is not given.
Mt 13:12 (RSV) For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away
Mt 13:13 (RSV) This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
Mt 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Veiling of the “word” for judicial discipline, is understood through Isaiah 28:13 and Matt 25:29.
Isaiah 28:13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
As hard as it may be to understand, God is here encouraging these people to backslide.
Mt 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
God’s judgment at this point will be designed to correct the sinful believer, 1 Cor 11:32.
In Isaiah 28:13 Isaiah, in keeping with His commission, delivers a message to the spiritually drunken priests. His message is intended to cause them to “fall backward” or backslide.
In that case, knowledge from God is removed from a willfully sinful believer, Heb 10:26-27. Willful sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. A Christian is not forgiven for sinning in this manner, they are judged by God to bring about their repentance, 1 Cor 11:32.
1Co 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Then following 1 Cor 11:32, the “elemental or “carnal” (2 Pet 3:12) characteristics of the person will be “devoured” or removed from Him through the symbolic action of “fire”.
This is how God deals with “willful sin” among his people.
This restricting of knowledge can also be protection.
Unlearned –
A novice or “unlearned” person in the faith (1 Tim 3:6) who is unable to spiritually digest a certain truth should not be exposed to that truth.
Knowledge, if not taught in the proper order can be harmful. This may be an obstacle to future growth, John 16:12 and Exodus 23:29. This is why it is so important to humble yourself before God and pray. God gives knowledge in the proper order. Mankind does not always recognize the proper order.
God gives grace to a humble person but resists a proud person, James 4:6. God’s grace can be seen by everyone (Titus 2:11) but is only given to those who humble themselves before Him, James 4:6. This one statement refutes Calvinism.
Tit 2:11 ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
“Grace” is God teaching us to deny ungodliness, and He teaches us correctly, Titus 2:11-12.
For example, we should not be taught to drive a car before we can walk.
Christians are not instantly taught the truths of scripture by the Spirit of God.
Ex 23:29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee.
John 16:12 KJV — I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
We are involved in a growth process. We are being conformed to the image of Christ incrementally, not instantly (2 Cor 3:18).
2Co 3:18 (RSV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
We have so greatly revered teachers of previous generations that we have, in some cases, been prevented from experiencing further growth.
Misguided doctrinal positions have been adhered to tenaciously, and the lack of Biblical study has furthered this misguided condition. Other people have adopted these sometimes misguided doctrinal positions. They may not have considered whether the teachers themselves were undergoing discipline (intended for their correction) at the time that they formed their opinions.
This delusion/misunderstanding has become entrenched. It has at times been adopted without much testing (1 Thess 5:21), or resistance.
As has happened in past generations, the study of tradition has replaced Bible study in some cases.
Religious leaders who are involved in delusion don’t recognize that they are deluded.
It is, however, clearly obvious, and scripturally provable, without extensive effort.
God delivered some Christians over to a lie/delusion in past and present generations, as a “just discipline”, 2 Thess 2:11.
This delusion is now considered normal. It continues to be popular due to the lack of scriptural study by “unlearned” Christians.
Examples of Delusion –
For example, the “rapture ” is seen to be a delusion simply by the inclusion of 1 Thess 5:7 into the doctrinal mix.
In 1 Thess 4:13 Paul does not want His readers to be ignorant about what He refers to as “sleep”. In 1 Thess 5:8 He tells them that this condition of “sleeping” is voluntary. He cannot in these verses be referring to “sleep” as physical death.
This is pivotal because many end-time fantasies are based on this misunderstood section of scripture.
When the “Rapture Theory” is proven false, most of the “end time” fantasies crumble under the truths of scripture.
The Day of the Lord is not the same thing as the Second coming. The simple difference in these two terms should make any student aware of the possibility that the terms may not refer to the same occurrence.
Jesus will not return physically. He ascended on high to fill all things, Eph 4:10. This is also elementary.
God is Spirit (Jn 4:24).
The references to the “Spirit” in 2 Cor 3 suggest this.
John 4:24 KJV — God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
God prepared a body for Jesus so that He could accomplish His ministry, Heb 10:5.
Hebrews 10:5 KJV — Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
Then Jesus asked Father to return Him to the condition He had before He came to earth, Jn 17:5.
John 17:5 KJV — And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
Eph 4:10 (RSV) He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
The New Testament records His ascension and return thru the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is seen to go to heaven in Acts 1:9 and return to His people to participate in their salvation in Acts 3:20.
He only comes to those who love his appearance, 2 Tim 4:8.
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
How can His appearance be physical if only believers will see it, Heb 9:28?
Heb 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
The references to His Coming on the “Day of the Lord” are intended for judgment. They are not the appearances of Jesus in person.
Such instances metaphorically illustrate Jesus coming through His instruments of indignation, as an example shown in Is 19:1.
Isa 19:1 ¶ The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.
The “tongues” debacle is also easily discounted by recognizing Acts 2:11 and applying its information to all future scriptural references to the gift.
Those who spoke in tongues had conversations regarding the “works of God”.
As we are told in Mark 4:11 the mysteries of God are only revealed to Christians. This is all clear from scripture, but “Babylon” or confusion lacks clear scriptural understanding.
Spiritual leaders are deluded because they don’t know the scriptures and are, “Unlearned” or “Unbelieving” to some degree, 1 Cor 14:23.
They are however well versed in their respective traditions.
La 1:10 The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation.
The Lord’s pattern is to deliver spiritually drunken leadership over to deception when they are seen to be “Men of Sin”, Isaiah 28:7 and 2 Thess 2:3.
This delusion originally happened generations ago, and should no longer be tolerated.
So how does the deluded Church come out of this?
Joe 2:17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?