2nd Thessalonians 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 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 who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
This passage of scripture tells us beyond the shadow of a doubt, that satan is scheduled to make several appearances in literal form across the globe, and the stern warning given above is for all members of the human family living at that time, who will be affected in one way or another by this worldwide delusion. The warning especially pertains to those individuals who have pleasure in unrighteousness, for through the indulgence of deliberate sin, their minds are being programmed to receive and accept the strong delusions that will appeal to the senses. This literal appearance of satan in various parts of the world was also prophesied by Christ, as He sat upon the mount of Olives, instructing His disciples and all future generations, as to what will transpire in the very last days of earth's history. Let's read:
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
The mention of "he" in verse 26 refers to a specific personage, very different from the "false christs" of verse 24, and therefore we must be aware of the warning thus given, and the necessary preparations needed to escape the overpowering delusion, which will take most of the world captive. One of the most important essentials in preparing against that day is the love of truth, the disposition to embrace the word of God without the trappings and additions of mortal man. There are truths written in the scriptures which are easy to swallow, because they speak of promises, and health, and wealth, and forgiveness, and joy in The Holy Ghost. And then there are other truths which deal candidly with the need for total compliance with all the laws of God, including the one which commands us to worship on the seventh day of the week.
Those truths which pertain to law and order are not always the easiest to digest, for they often involve making serious and permanent changes to our habits and lifestyles, that the carnal heart naturally rises up in rebellion against. Therefore it is imperative that all would-be citizens of God's kingdom get accustomed to accepting the plain truths as written in the scriptures, even though at times they may step on our toes. This disposition when cultivated will put us in a mindset that is teachable, and thus God will be able to work in us and for us, in eliminating those sinful practices which often drive a wedge between Him and ourselves.
Thus the warning given in today's passage is not designed by God to get us all riled up about antichrist, but is rather intended for us to submit ourselves fully to God, who alone is able to keep us from the great delusion when it occurs in the very near future. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to hold fast to the truths God has given us, and He will respond in the affirmative, by keeping us from the snare of antichrist, which will deceive all those who are not found in Christ. Let's read:
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!