Mike Mazzalongo
#10 – What is the Deluding Influence?
Before the “Day”…
Apostasy Begins
Principle of Evil at Work
Man of Lawlessness Revealed
Jesus Returns
For this reason God will send upon them
a deluding influence so that they will
believe what is false, in order that they
all may be judged who did not believe
the truth, but took pleasure in
wickedness.
- II Thessalonians 2:1112
God’s Will
1. God’s direct will
– Positive direct will
– Negative direct will
God’s Will
1. God’s direct will
– Positive direct will
– Negative direct will
2. God’s permissive will
–
–
Permissive positive will
Permissive negative will
The delusion is sent by God’s
permissive negative will.
Those who believe lies are allowed
to do so under God’s permissive
negative will.
God “sends the delusion” in the
sense that He permits it to happen.
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.
- II Thessalonians 2:13
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 mouth or by letter
from us.
- II Thessalonians 2:1415
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself
and God our Father, who has loved us
and given us eternal comfort and good
hope by grace, comfort and strengthen
your hearts in every good work and word.
- II Thessalonians 2:1617
Two reasons to be thankful:
1. They have been chosen for
salvation (vs. 13)
– He chooses for Himself those
who choose to believe
Two reasons to be thankful:
1. They have been chosen for salvation
2. Their salvation is sure (vs. 14)
– Their final perfection in Christ is a
“sure thing”
Two reasons to be thankful:
1. They have been chosen for salvation
2. Their salvation is sure
SO…
• Stand firm
• Hold on
God’s direct positive will operates in 5 different
ways in regards to our salvation.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
God loves
God chooses
God calls
God saves
God glorifies
Man’s direct will operates in 3 ways when it
comes to salvation:
1. Man believes
2. Man gives thanks
3. Man stands firm in truth
God permits us to oppose Him and
suffer the consequences.
Lessons
1. We have to want salvation.
Lessons
1. We have to want salvation.
2. Don’t worry, be happy.
Lessons
1. We have to want salvation.
2. Don’t worry, be happy.
3. Comfort comes from God,
not things.