The deception is horrible, but then, would we expect anything less from God’s adversary? A deception is recognized only in hindsight, which in the case of deceived humankind, will be too late. Will God allow people to be deceived? YES! Why?
As Paul wrote in 2 Thess 2:9-12….
“But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders 10 and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. 11 That is why God lets a deceptive influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie, 12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.”
If we have no love for the truth because it dispels what we want to believe, then God allows the lies to remain as truth for those who want to worship what they love.
@ElieG12
The first question one must ask of Jane's quote in 2 Thessalonians is simple...
Who is the Adversary the Apostle is referring to? We know its not some supernatural make believe creature that dwells in fire!
You see Paul uses the same language when writing to the Corinthians, in describing
Jewish adversaries who had assumed apostolic powers, disguising themselves as servants of righteousness (Read 2 Co 10:2-15). When people hide their true identity and disguise one's true character they become an Adversary of the True Gospel of God.
No Supernatural Evil being here as Jane has imagined! Jane has missed the true context opting for more fanciful notions - she has actually revealed that she is the deceived one.
Here's the thing Elie, if Paul was referring to such an evil being he would provide you with a details on Who he is, How he deceives and what tools you require to overcome him - highly unlikely given Jane believes this being is so powerful it can roam around like a Lion devouring people at will LOL. It's a ludicrous belief!
Read the below words of Paul and you will see how he is dealing with this Judaistic Adversary (satan in the churches)!
2 I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing
against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. 3
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh
but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
Notice how Paul is stating the nature of their warfare... is not against some make believe Supernatural Dark Power, but false religious strongholds i.e. Judaism! The adversary (satan) is the false arguments demanding those to return to the Law of Moses and be circumcised! It is these that are changing the Gospel back to the Law - Read all of Galatians where the circumcision party had already had success!
7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we. 8
For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed. 9 I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. 10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” 11 Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. 12 Not that we dare to classify or
compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, 2 Cor 10:
Now re read Janes quote:
“But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders 10 and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. 11 That is why God lets a deceptive influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie, 12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.”
Which adversary of Christ sought signs and wonders?
Which adversary of Christ reveal unrighteous deception?
Which adversary of Christ rejected the love of the truth (Gospel)
What God allowed them to hold to their beloved Moses and the Law?
Who did Christ say "took pleasure in unrighteousness?
That is the adversary Paul has in mind!
Jane is unable to show you the true nature of the adversary because it's not in the Word of God but in her mind alone!
F2F
