In II Thessalonians, Paul talks about the lawless one who will control the world during the tribulation period. He essentially says that the people of the world have rejected the truth of Christ and bought, instead, into the lie of the Antichrist.

Because of this rejection, God then sends a powerful delusion upon them so that they will believe the lie [2 Thessalonians 2:10b-11].

While we don’t have a specific antichrist revealed to us at this time, we do know that we are living in times of great delusion and crippling falsehood. The truth has been twisted and replaced with lies to the point that many people can no longer tell the difference. Every day we are exposed to politicians, media personalities and even preachers who have mastered the art of deception.

We can be sure that this bombardment of lies will only increase as the day approaches when Christ comes for His Church.

The delusions we are experiencing today, however, are not the ones that will be sent from God during the days of tribulation. What’s going on today is coming directly from Satan. And these attacks have to take place before God will do His thing.

Satan is blinding the eyes of unbelievers—right now—and he is using those he blinds to pervert the truth so that even more people will buy into the lies. The only defense is for the believer to acquire a thorough understanding of the Word of God. By studying the truth, we are empowered to discern the false, thus avoiding this epidemic of deception that is devouring the nation in our day.

Jesus says, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” That’s the answer—filling our minds with God’s truth. That will protect us. And set us free. But we must also pray that God will open the eyes of those who are being deceived. For a little while, there is still time to believe in the truth of Jesus Christ. Soon it will be too late.