Strong Delusion

Dear brethren,
Today's readings:
2Thessalonians; Psalm 77

2Th 2:11 — 2Th 2:12 (KJV)
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Throughout the biblical record, we read of how God seemed to have “compelled” individuals or groups of people.
We read of the Pharaoh’s hardened heart during the exodus (Ex 7:13; 10:20, 27; 11:10; 14:8), Sihon king of Heshbon’s hardened spirit (Deut 2:30). The Lord seemingly “moving” David to number Israel (2Sa 24:1). Also, the “lying spirit” supposedly put into the mouth of the false prophets in the change with Micaiah (1Ki 22:22,23).

So did these people have no choice as they were compelled by God? How can it be so when clearly, the bible also teaches that with transgression is sin and the soul that sinneth dies and no one else shall be held responsible (1Jhn 3:4; Ezk 18:20)? How can it be when the bible tells us that God “neither tempteth he any man” but that it is man that allows himself to be tempted (Jam 1:13,14)?

A simple survey of the bible and we realise it is merely a matter of perspective. Observe 1 Samuel 6:6 (KJV)
“Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?”

Thus we realise that whenever the writer expresses the origin of the compulsion, it is merely saying God allowing the transgression to happen. It is merely in contrast to what he is capable of doing, if He wanted to!
Thus, just as how the Israelites chose to turn a blind eye to God’s long-suffering patience, just as how the individuals chose to go against God’s will, whoever decides to go against God’s truth, will not find protection against that!

Let us not “tempt the Lord” (Mat 4:7), but instead choose to follow after what He truly teaches us. Let us not say that we are tempted of God (Jam 1:13) but remember that God will not suffer us to the tempted beyond what we are able (1Co 10:13). God will allow us to fall if we choose to! But on the other hand, God will protect His people, only if we take heed and do His will (c.f. Phi 4:7,9).