“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
—2 Thessalonians 2:11–12 (KJV)
Apostle Paul, provides a prophetic warning of divine judgment unlike any other in Scripture. He describes a point in time where God Himself sends a strong delusion. An active judicial act in response to willful unbelief and rebellion against the truth.
What Is the Strong Delusion?
The Greek word for “delusion” (planē,) refers to deception, error, or a wandering away from truth. It denotes a belief system or influence that causes one to stray, ultimately leading to destruction.
In this context, the strong delusion is not merely misinformation—it is a spiritual blindness allowed and sent by God as judgment. It mirrors the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart in Exodus (Exodus 9:12), where rebellion met divine resolve.
Why Does God Send It?
The passage clearly says, “for this cause…” What cause?
“Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved”
—2 Thessalonians 2:10 (KJV)
This delusion comes after a long-standing rejection of God’s truth. When people persistently refuse to receive the truth and take pleasure in sin, God eventually gives them over.
This echoed in:
“God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”
—Romans 1:28 (KJV)
“Giving over” marks a transition from mercy to judgment. It’s when God’s restraining grace is lifted, allowing people to embrace the lies they longed for.
What Do They Believe Instead?
The text states: “that they should believe a lie.”
The definite article “a” in Greek can be translated “the lie,” referring to a specific, satanic deception. This connects back to:
“Ye shall not surely die… ye shall be as gods.”
—Genesis 3:4–5 (KJV)
This was the first lie. It still echoes in New Age spirituality, false religious movements, and even modern psychology that glorifies the self as savior.
The Outcome: Condemnation
“That they all might be damned who believed not the truth.”
—2 Thessalonians 2:12 (KJV)
This delusion leads to spiritual damnation—not because God is unjust, but because people willfully rejected the truth and delighted in sin. Their judgment is a consequence of their choice.
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already.”
—John 3:18 (KJV)
Are We Seeing This Today?
Absolutely. From false prophets to media-driven deception, people are being led by emotion, ideology, and false doctrine rather than Scripture. Jesus warned:
“Take heed that no man deceive you.”
—Matthew 24:4 (KJV)
And again:
“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.”
—Matthew 24:24 (KJV)
Conclusion: Return to the Truth
The strong delusion is a strong warning to the world—it’s a call for the Church to wake up. Now is the time to love the truth, repent from compromise, and prepare for the return of Christ.
“Buy the truth, and sell it not.”
—Proverbs 23:23 (KJV)
Let us not take pleasure in unrighteousness but cling to the Word of God, for truth is the only safeguard against deception.
