In the last of the last days, expect rebellion to come!
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2:
1 Now, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we plead with you, Beloved friends,
2 not to be easily confused or disturbed in your minds by any kind of spirit, rumor, or letter allegedly from us, claiming that the day of the Lord has already come.
3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. Before that day comes the rebellion must occur and the “outlaw”—the destructive son—will be revealed in his true light.
4 He is the opposing counterpart who exalts himself over everything that is called “God” or is worshiped and who sits enthroned in God’s temple and makes himself out to be a god.
5 Don’t you remember that when I was with you I went over all these things?
Paul issues a warning applicable to us: don’t be confused or disturbed in our minds when we move into the last of the last days. Fifty years ago, I would not have anticipated the society of today. Most kids walked to school without fear. There were no mass shootings. No one questioned their sex. The Lord’s prayer was quoted by all students without issue. No one burned the flag. Now, rebellion is at hand.
Paul continues:
6 Now you are aware of the ruling power so that he may be fully revealed when his time comes.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already active, but the one who prevails will do so until he is separated from out of the midst.
8 Then the “outlaw” will be openly revealed, and the Lord will overthrow him by the breath of his mouth and bring him to an end by the dazzling manifestation of His Presence.
9 The presence of the “outlaw” is apparent by the activity of satan, who uses all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, spurious wonders,
10 and every form of evil deception in order to deceive those who are perishing because they rejected the Love of the Truth that would lead them to being saved.
11 Because of this, God sends them a powerful delusion that leads them to believe what is false.
12 So then all who found their pleasure in unrighteousness and did not believe the Truth will be judged.
This is an ominous warning! We must acknowledge that there will be those who will reject the Love of the Truth and will reap the consequences of their decision. It is not GOD’S will than any should perish but every person has a choice. That choice will determine where they spend eternity.
Today, it is not business as usual. Society has embraced unrighteousness and self-gratification. They are lovers of pleasure and money. They will gladly give up the future for immediate gratification for they are not willing to self-sacrifice.
Do you truly believe that Jesus will bring to an end the adversary by appearing in His dazzling, manifested Presence? I do! If you don’t, reread the Revelation of Jesus Christ recorded by the Apostle John.
Strong delusion must come, and it is now here. Paul warned us of this when he wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 1:
18 For God in Heaven unveils His Holy anger breaking forth against every form of sin, both toward ungodliness that lives in hearts and evil actions. For the wickedness of humanity deliberately smothers the Truth and keeps people from acknowledging the Truth about God.
19 In reality, the Truth of God is known instinctively, for God has embedded this knowledge inside every human heart.
20 Opposition to Truth cannot be excused on the basis of ignorance, because from the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of God’s nature have been made visible, such as His Eternal power and transcendence. He has made his wonderful attributes easily perceived, for seeing the visible makes us understand the invisible. So then, this leaves everyone without excuse.
As it was in the days of Noah, so it is now. Noah persevered while the society around him practiced and promoted lawlessness. They scoffed at him just as people persecute the true believers today.
Am I thrilled about what I see in our society? Absolutely not! However, I accept that this great delusion was prophesied and is now manifested all around us. Let us not be troubled or discouraged but instead, look for His dazzling Presence to arrive soon.