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NASB | 2 Thessalonians 2:11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Thessalonians 2:11 Because of this God will send upon them a misleading influence, [an activity of error and deception] so they will believe the lie, |
Subject: How can we avoid deception? |
Bible Note: If you are confused, then perhaps you should ponder the facts presented a little further. We have seen that the Lord does send delusions, an evil spirit, a lying spirit, he gives people over to a reprobate mind. It is apparent that he sends those to people who have refused to obey him. You can judge for yourself whether this ever applies to a believer. My point was that a person who refuses to believe the gospel is in real danger. He may hear another message at a later time and he may be deceived into thinking that it is the truth. It is so important that a person respond to the simple gospel without waiting for more. If he refuses to accept the gospel, how will he know that God will not be sending him strong delusions next? He may be looking for miracles and signs and wonders. He may be presented with lying signs and wonders. He may believe the message associated with those and think he is hearing the truth. He may be looking for a more convincing message and he may fall into the hands of a manipulator. He may be looking to have his emotions stirred and he may be so moved that he cannot think. If you are still confused, I suggest you think about it a little more. If a person hears the gospel (that Christ died for our sins and was buried and rose again) and if he refuses to obey the gospel (by repenting and trusting Christ) how can he know that the next thing he hears (accept Christ, accept a doctrinal statement, join the church, or whatever) is the truth. It may be a strong delusion and yet he will believe it. Read 2 Thess 2:9-12 and related passages such as 2 Timothy 4:3,4 again and think about it. |