If You Don’t Believe You Will Be Deceived

In reference to the coming of the Antichrist and his supernatural powers we read this:  “¹⁰ and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. ¹¹ And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, ¹² that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”  As I’ve mentioned before, 2 Thessalonians chapters 1-2 are so clear regarding the judgment of those who do not obey God.  Those who did not receive the love of the truth are not saved.  And note that because they did not receive the love of the truth God “will send them strong delusion”.  This seems to indicate that God has an active role in their delusion and their judgment.  But why not? Those who had pleasure in unrighteousness deserve their condemnation.  If you don’t believe the gospel, you will seek pleasure in unrighteousness and you therefore will be condemned.  In reality you always stand condemned because you have not believed (John 3:17).  So believe.  Or you will find yourself deceived.