But remember, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.[2 Corinthians 4:4] Those who are enslaved to sin and Satan can not comprehend the marvelous gospel of the Christ. Furthermore, But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.[1 Corinthians 2:14] The natural man that Paul was referring to is the lost. The lost are enslaved to sin and Satan, have their minds blinded so that they can not comprehend this glorious gospel. And I’ll close here(ETA: I said I’d close here, but didn’t, sorry, other things came to my mind I needed to post), For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.[1 Corinthians 1:18-21] You can see Paul showing two classes of ppl here. Those who are perishing and those who are saved. Those who are perishing consider the word of the cross as foolishness. Why? 1 Corinthians 2:14 & 2 Corinthians 4:4. It is because Satan has their minds blinded they can’t grasp this glorious gospel. Unless God overthrows him and takes control of their lives, they will never come to receive the truth.
Look at this Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.[2 Thessalonians 2:8-10] During the tribulation the antichrist will cause many to be deceived. He will cause them to not receive the truth so they could be saved. This goes back to 2 Corinthians 4:4.
But Paul encourages them at Thessalonica when he wrote But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouthor by letter from us.[2 Thessalonians 2:13-15] We see election, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation, sanctification, sanctification by the Spirit, justification, faith in the truth, effectual calling/irresistible grace, It was for this He called you through our gospel, and even glorification I believe, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
All of this is done for the elect. The rest He justly leaves in their fallen state, to await judgment.