THE GREAT DELUSION:

THE GREAT DELUSION: HOW GOD'S JUDGMENT SEPARATES THE FAITHFUL FROM THOSE ENSNARED BY REBELLIOUS POWERS Water and Spirit Digest - Special Cosmic Warfare Edition ). The Strong Delusion as Divine Strategy This brings us back to Paul's warning about the "strong delusion." Like the lying spirit sent to Ahab, this delusion serves God's purposes in the ongoing cosmic conflict. Those who "did not receive the love of the truth" are given over to the lies they prefer. The man of lawlessness—whether a single antichrist figure or a system of rebellion against God—operates with "all power, signs, and lying wonders" (2 Thessalonians 2:9). These are not mere tricks but genuine supernatural manifestations empowered by the same rebellious divine beings who have opposed God since Eden. The delusion separates those who love truth from those who love lies. It reveals hearts and exposes allegiances in the cosmic war. Those who have rejected God's truth are permitted to follow deception to its logical conclusion—judgment. The Church as God's Cosmic Weapon In this grand narrative, the church stands as God's strategic revelation to the powers. Through us, "the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 3:10). We are the general assembly on Mount Zion, the "church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven" (Hebrews 12:23). Our very existence declares God's victory over rebellious powers. Our worship dismantles strongholds. Our truth-speaking counters the "strong delusion" that ensnares those who reject God. When we stand firm against deception, we participate in the cosmic victory Christ has already secured. We become living testimonies that God's judgment by water and rebirth by His Spirit overcomes all rebellious powers. Living in Light of Cosmic Truth The "strong delusion" of 2 Thessalonians 2:11 is not merely an isolated end-times prophecy. It is part of God's consistent pattern of dealing with rebellion throughout cosmic history. From Eden to Babel, from Noah's flood to Christ's baptism, from ancient divine rebels to modern spiritual warfare—God has always used truth as His weapon and delusion as His judgment. For those who love truth, there is protection even in times of great deception. For those who prefer comfortable lies, there is the terrible freedom to believe them—and face their consequences. As we navigate a world increasingly given to delusion, let us remember that we stand in a cosmic story larger than ourselves. The waters of judgment have been transformed into waters of baptism. The Spirit that hovered over creation now indwells believers. The divine council of rebels has been replaced by the assembly of the redeemed. And one day, all delusion will be swept away when Christ returns to complete His victory and establish His kingdom in fullness. Until then, we stand as witnesses to truth in a world that prefers lies. We proclaim freedom to those ensnared by delusion. We demonstrate that God's judgment by water and rebirth by His Spirit is the only path to true life. "Let us live out our faith standing against God's opponents." - Paul C. Jong