Strong Delusion

Delusion defined: 

• something that is falsely believed or propagated
• a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary; also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs

2 Thessalonians 2:9

For the coming of that Evil One is the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all the deceptiveness of iniquity in them that perish because they did not receive the love of the truth by which they might have life. Therefore Elohim will send upon them the strength of a deception that they may believe a lie, and that they all may be condemned who believe not the truth but have pleasure in iniquity.

2 Thessalonians 2:7

For the mystery of the Evil One already begins to be operative and only if that which now hinders will be taken from the midst, then at length will that Evil One be revealed who Master Y'shua will consume by the breath of his mouth and will bring to nothing by the visibility of his coming.

What shall be this 'strength of a deception', this strong delusion that befalls those who do not seek out the truth?  And what is it that was 'hindering' this evil mystery from going into full operation?  I would like to note, after that which hinders is taken from the midst, the Evil One will be revealed.  I believe Mr. Evil One is revealed 3-1/2 years into the final seven years when Satan fully possesses the end times world leader and he claims to be 'god'.

2 Thessalonians begins in regards to the return of Y'shua and our standing strong in our Faith in him, that we should not be uprooted in our mind nor be troubled or deceived. Paul writes that before the Son of Elohim returns, first will come a defection and that man of sin will be revealed; the son of perdition; who is an opponent and exalts himself above all that is called Elohim and praiseworthy; so that he also sits in the temple of Elohim as a deity and displays himself as if he were a deity.

The defection is also called the 'falling away' or the 'great apostasy' which is the fallen state of Christianity as a whole.  Even in Paul's day there was an all-Gentile church forming which aimed to throw off Torah and reinvent Messiah to put him more in line with Hellenism, polytheism and paganism.  The Defection (which is already in progress) will become evident when the Final World Leader takes his place.  The Truth of the Matter will be fully evident 3-1/2 years later.

Quote from AGR:
The phrase 'son of perdition' in Aramaic is the same as the Hebrew 'abaddon' which means "destruction" and is torn from the pages of the Dead Sea Scrolls, alluding to sons of light and sons of darkness.

This delusion, whose undercurrent is the workings of Satan, is allowed to grow stronger as Yahweh steps aside. It begins to peak when the final world leader makes a firm agreement with many and folks believe an end to all wars has begun.  They will believe they now live in a world of peace and safety. This sense of safety is delusional, because, according to Scriptures, this is the quiet before the abomination of desolation reveals his true intentions, reaching full strength.

The workings of Satan have been progressing since the Garden episode. Can he only take center stage if Yahweh removes His hedge of protection from us, as the example written in the book of Job? Will this guy be so convincing that even the Set Apart believers could fall for it?  Maybe, and only through 'conditioning', which has been going on for some time: not knowing the Truth of Elohim leaves the door wide open for believing the lies.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

For the coming of that Evil One is the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all the deceptiveness of iniquity in them that perish because they did not receive the love of the truth by which they might have life. Therefore Elohim will send upon them the strength of a deception that they may believe a lie....

The worship of the image of the beast and taking the 'mark' are two things that can happen if one does not Love the Truth.  Not only is Y'shua the Truth, he is also the Way and the Life.

John 14:6 - Y'shua said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father except by me.  If you would have known me, you would also know my Father."

2 Thessalonians 2:15

Therefore, my brothers, be established and persevere in the Commandments which you have been taught, whether by word or by our epistle. And by our Master Y'shua the Mashiyach himself, and Elohim our Father who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through his grace, comfort your hearts and establish in yourselves every good word and in every good work.

We must be firmly rooted in the Instructions of Yahweh as we have learned from knowing Yahshua so that we do not fall for the coming strong deception.  His Spirit teaches us discernment and shows us The Way as he reveals The Truth wherein we receive our reward - the gift of our soul - Life eternal.