“And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” – 2Thessalonians2:10-12
Sometimes we feel that the
world is getting better, other times we feel it is getting worse, which is truer
between these two perceptions? God created a good world, but then, upon the
entrance of sin, God cursed the world, and one day the world will be annihilated.
Sin (depravity) is getting worse day by day. And the Scriptures prophesy that
Satan will grow to be very powerful just before the end. Oh! Then, what hope do
we have for the present and the future? This passage reveals how we can live in
hope and be rich in good works even when the present world looks defeating (you
may read v9-17 for the context).
First, Satan has power only
over the non-believers. He can only deceive the perishing
ones. Sure, his schemes can trouble us physically and even emotionally; but our
faith, our hope, and our salvation have been established by Jesus. Nobody can
snatch us, nor separate us from the love of Christ. We will not be shaken.
Second, the destruction
of the wicked along with Satan is sure. Those claiming to be
wise, ridiculing us to be fools, are actually the real fools, being deceived by
Satan. And their deception will increase because God allowed them for their
destruction. We will be vindicated by God’s righteous condemnation of the wicked.
Third, the very
persistent nature of Satan should challenge us to be not complacent in good
works or in rescuing the perishing. Satan never slumbers,
is never discouraged, and is never satisfied. He hunts for his prey prowling
the earth to and fro. Satan and the anti-Christ come to deceive the non-believers
that they may be condemned eternally. Jesus comes to save the believers that
they may live before God forever.
Is it not comforting to
realize these truths that God is preserving us in all situations? Has not our
Lord himself promised that His church will prevail no matter what? Let us then
live not as the world without hope, but rejoice for the gift of faith and His salvation,
and anticipate His return!