“And They Will Believe a Lie” – Meaning and Context
The phrase “And they will believe a lie” comes from 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, where the Apostle Paul warns about the deception that will come in the last days:
“And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, NKJV)
1. Who Will Believe the Lie?
Paul is speaking about those who:
✔ Reject the truth of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
✔ Choose sin over righteousness (v. 12: “had pleasure in unrighteousness”).
✔ Are deceived by the Antichrist (the “lawless one” in verse 9).
Because they repeatedly reject God’s truth, they become vulnerable to deception and spiritual blindness.
2. What Is “The Lie”?
The Bible does not specify a single “lie,” but based on context, it likely refers to:
- The Antichrist’s deception – A false Christ or leader who claims to bring peace but opposes God.
- Satan’s original lie – The same deception from Eden: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:4-5).
- A strong delusion – A deception so powerful that those who reject truth will fully believe what is false.
Key Connection:
- John 8:44 – Jesus calls Satan “the father of lies.”
- Those who reject God’s truth are open to Satan’s deception.
3. Why Does God Send a “Strong Delusion”?
This is a difficult concept, but it follows a biblical pattern:
- When people harden their hearts, God allows them to become even more blind.
- Example: Pharaoh in Exodus – He hardened his heart, and then God hardened it further (Exodus 9:12).
- Romans 1:24-26 – “God gave them over to their sinful desires.”
God does not force people to believe a lie, but if they reject the truth repeatedly, He allows them to follow the path they have chosen.
4. How Does This Apply Today?
This passage warns that many will be deceived in the last days. Signs of this deception include:
✔ False teachings and distorted versions of Christianity.
✔ People choosing sin over truth because it feels good.
✔ A world that rejects God’s Word in favor of personal desires.
But for believers, there is hope!
✔ Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6).
✔ God’s Word protects us from deception (Psalm 119:105).
✔ The Holy Spirit helps us discern truth from lies (John 16:13).
Final Thoughts
- Those who reject truth will be deceived.
- The “lie” likely refers to Satan’s ultimate deception in the last days.
- God allows those who persist in sin to face the consequences of their rejection.
- The best way to avoid deception is to love, know, and follow the truth of Jesus Christ.