Why does God send a strong delusion according to 2 Thessalonians 2?
Because they refused the love of the truth—the love of Christ—and rejected salvation, God sends a strong delusion. He removes their ability to comprehend truth so they believe the lie, setting the tribulation in motion as the world believes Satan’s lie. This judgment follows their rejection of truth.
Les explains that in 2 Thessalonians 2:9, Paul describes the Antichrist’s coming after the working of Satan, with power, signs, lying wonders, and all deceivableness of unrighteousness. Those who perish did not receive the love of Christ, or the love of the truth, that they might be saved. For this cause—because they rejected salvation—God shall send them a strong delusion. Les says God will take away their ability to comprehend truth, and they will believe the lie. That is what sets the tribulation ball rolling, as the world again believes the lie of the Father of all lies. Paul contrasts this with his own ministry, saying he did not come with deceivableness or the power of a lie.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: