Believe the Truth and Reject the Lie
June 21
Not much has changed since Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica. Today, many people spout opinions concerning Jesus’ return. As in Paul’s day, many of those opinions are simply that: opinions.
Biblically speaking, there are several – very different – views of eschatology which are held by godly theologians. Each of these views has valid Scriptural bases. However, they also have Scriptural problems. I am not saying that the Bible contains contradictions, (it does not!) only that sometimes the Bible isn’t as clear as we would like it to be on some topics, including eschatology.
But one thing is certain: Paul and the other apostles expected Jesus’ return to happen within days, months, or a few years of their preaching and writing. The Thessalonians had heard some people say that Jesus had already returned. But Paul assured them that the End could not come without a few things happening:
1.) The widespread apostacy or rebellion (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
2.) The revelation of the man of lawlessness, (the antichrist) who is the personification of hostility against God (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
Paul had already told this church that Jesus’ return would occur with the archangel’s voice and the sound of God’s trumpet. (1 Thessalonians 4:16) Obviously, none of these three things happened before Paul wrote this letter, nor has it happened since then. But Paul wrote both of his letters to this church to encourage them. No, these things haven’t happened yet, but be ready!
Paul says there will be a wicked deception of unbelievers. His description sounds very familiar to what he says in Romans 1:18–28, where he talks about those who exchange the knowledge of God for a lie. He says that signs and wonders can be counterfeited. (2 Thessalonians 2:9) Elsewhere, he says that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14) Therefore, believers must be discerning. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) And to protect ourselves, we must know God’s Word so we can recognize and reject the counterfeits.
Paul also says that God sends a strong delusion on unbelievers to believe the lie so that they would reject God’s offer of salvation. (2 Thessalonians 2:11) And therefore, because they reject God’s offer, He judges them. As in Romans, Paul says that God gives those who reject the truth exactly what they want. And then judges them based on those desires.
Application
Paul tells the church to stand firm in their faith and hold tightly to the traditions they had learned. (2 Thessalonians 2:15) These were not the Jewish traditions, but the new covenant traditions. God has loved us and has given us an eternal, encouraging hope. God is in control!
Ground yourself in God’s Word. And reject counterfeits. And put your entire trust in God.