A Most Disturbing Scripture

 A Most Disturbing Scripture 

Read this section of scripture slowly, then read it again: 

…the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence [operative power] so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 

This section of scripture is embedded in the context of the second coming of Christ. Verse one initiates this context: “…with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed…” 

God Himself actively sends an influence (Greek: operative power) to those who would not love the truth.¹ 

He does this for two reasons:

1.    that these people (who would not love the truth) will believe a lie (some translations say “the lie”); 

2.    so that God may judge them.

Why does God judge them?  For two reasons:

1.    they refused to love the truth;

2.    they took pleasure in wickedness. 

This is extremely disturbing and intense! 

Let’s dive into these scriptures deeper: The word, a “mystery,” is not something unknowable. Rather, it is what can only be known through revelation, i.e. because God reveals it (Strong’s). Also the word truth <225>is directly related to Jesus and the Holy Spirit.¹ These followers of the antichrist are not just believing some sort of lie, they are believing and following “the lie.” The lie may refer back to Genesis 3 where the serpent lied to Eve. Though it quite obviously relates to an exchange—to something from Jesus Christ—since anyone who believe in Jesus (the Truth) will receive salvation. These people do not receive salvation, rather they receive judgment. God only further solidifies their choices by sending them the operative power of deception. He gives them over to their ways. 

Truth, real truth, matters and it matters whether or not we believe it. In these days it is easy to see how a deluding influence could happen. The media and governments working together with spiritual forces to deceive the people. 

Last night in Bible study were looked at Eve’s deception in the Garden. Isn’t it interesting how little she got wrong and how huge the ramifications were. One little phrase “or touch it” was all that was added to what God had said. Did she touch it then think, “Oh I didn’t die. God must have lied.” But that isn’t what God said. He never mentioned touching it. She was off only a little, or was she? 

Let’s be lovers of truth—The Truth incarnate and His truth. What we believe matters. What we believe about the Bible matters more. What the Bible actually says matters most (quote from Confronting the Wind). 

¹John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth <225>, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

John 16:13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth <225>, comes, He will guide you into all the truth <225>; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”