2 Thessalonians 2:11-12
What is written? (ESV)
Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
What does it say?
As a result, God sends a strong delusion in order that they will believe what is false and so be condemned from not believing truth but instead determined to sin.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica where he is warning them about coming destructive forces to the faithful. He encourages them to not listen to the false teaching that Christ has already come (vss 1-3). Rather, they must endure through lawlessness that is “already at work” (vs 7) and the “lawless one” that Satan empowers (vs 9) and Jesus “will kill by the breath of His mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming” (vs 8).
How 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 is applied across Bible answers
Can repentance become impossible (Hebrews 6:4-6)?
God may have a part258 in the final demise of those who want to "believe what is false" and take "pleasure in unrighteousness."
These "refused to love the truth and so be saved" (vs 10) which led to God sending "a strong delusion."
Does man have free will?
God, Himself, may allow/permit/provoke someone who is already intent on taking "pleasure in unrighteousness".
These are people who have "refused to love the truth and so be saved" (vs 10).
How were false prophets identified?
God may "help" those inclined to deny the truth by sending them a "strong delusion".
Will we be judged according to works?
God might help us in our desire and insistence in practicing evil deeds (e.g. "unrighteousness") which will lead to our being "condemned."
