A Strong Delusion

During the 7-year tribulation period (Dan 9:27), people will be deceived by the antichrist (v. 8). They will embrace his works, “because they received not the love of the truth” (v. 10). This is the reason why God will send them “strong delusion” or a powerful deception “that they should believe a lie.” Instead of believing the gospel of Christ, they will delight in mocking and rejecting Him. We all hear about the reading, studying, and believing God’s word (2 Tim 2:15), in our churches today, because it is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15). Sadly, most people ignore this command and remain complacent by taking things for granted (Prov 1:32).

 They have a head knowledge, but they never live out the truth of God’s word (Jms 1:22). Surely, it will be the person’s choice to either accept or reject the truth about Jesus (Jn 7:17). If they trust Him as their Lord and Savior by faith (Eph 2:8), then they are to walk in humble obedience to His commands (1 Jn 5:3). They are to love and obey Him by not sinning against Him (1 Jn 4:6). A heart that truly desires to keep God’s word and follow His will (Jn 14:23), is a genuine believer (Jn 1:12)! We certainly could not obey God’s word perfectly (Rom 7:21), because we are still in the flesh (Gal 5:17).

 However, there will be an inner conviction and a heartfelt desire to live for Him (Jms 4:7), that never existed prior to conversion! On the other hand, a person who knows the truth but refuses to obey it will face the wrath of God (Rom 1:18). This is a very dangerous position (v. 12). Evil things could follow as a result of unbelief (Acts 19:9). To harden one’s heart is to make God’s condemnation sure (Jn 3:19). In order to avoid this, we must remain “stedfast” (1 Cor 15:58), by continually believing and living what God says in His word! God bless you!



 - Pastor Melito Barrera