Understanding Spiritual Delusion: Biblical Truth and False Beliefs

Delusion represents a mistaken belief that leads people away from God's truth, often presenting itself as wisdom while actually being spiritual deception that can have eternal consequences. Throughout Scripture, God warns against the danger of false beliefs that appear attractive but ultimately lead to spiritual destruction.

The Foundation of Truth

Satan sold Adam and Eve a lie. He inferred God was not being honest with them (Gen 3:1-6). This pattern of deception continues today as the "god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers" (2 Cor 4:4). "A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him" (Prov 28:11). The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God (1 Cor 1:20), and we must "test everything" and "hold on to what is good" (1 Thes 5:21).

Common Misconceptions About Salvation

Many people mistakenly consider that because they have lived reasonably good lives their actions will merit favour with God and they will be going to heaven when they die (Mt 5:20, 7:21-23, 23:1-28; Eph 2:8-9; Tit 3:5). Such people will be denied entry to heaven and instead suffer in the lake of fire forever (Rev20:14,15). This works-based mentality contradicts the biblical truth that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph 2:8-9). Jesus confronted the self-righteous Pharisees who trusted in their own righteousness, warning that "unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 5:20). However, entrance is only permitted to those who have Jesus as Saviour (Jn 14:6; Act 4:12). Scripture is clear that "there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23), and "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 6:23).

The Reality of Judgement

Others think this life is the end of their existence forever, or if there is an after-life they will address the issue when it comes, yet the Bible states, "It is appointed unto man to die once, then face the judgement" (Heb 9:27). It is too late then to attend to this vital matter. Jesus warned that "when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats" (Mt 25:31-32). The Apostle Paul emphasized that "we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due to us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad" (2 Cor 5:10). This judgement is not for salvation determination but for rewards and accountability, as "God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil" (Eccl 12:14).

End Times Delusion

In the end times, God sends a strong delusion to those who choose not to believe the gospel of Christ (2 Thes 2:10-12). This occurs because "they refused to love the truth and so be saved" (2 Thes 2:10), demonstrating that delusion is often the consequence of willful rejection of God's truth. For those who know the truth and do not obey, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness" (Rom 1:18). God's Word is truth so when it is known but rejected this makes a person prone to any lie, any deception, any untruth that humanity influenced by Satan can conjure up (Jn 17:17; Rom 1:21-22,28-32; 2 Tim 4:4). Scripture warns that "the Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (1 Tim 4:1). Jesus Himself cautioned that "false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect" (Mt 24:24). Satan deceives and blinds the minds of the unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4) through his transformation into "an angel of light" (2 Cor 11:14) and his servants as "false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ" (2 Cor 11:13).

Individuals who act against moral principles may perceive harmful actions as beneficial, and persistently engage in such behaviour due to a distorted perspective (Isa 5:20). Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but God gives life to the full in Christ (Jn 10:10). This abundant life includes "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" (Phil 4:7) and "the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22-23). God is "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Pet 3:9). It is a person's choice whether to accept and believe the truth of Jesus Christ as presented in the Scriptures. For those that turn to Christ this will be outworked in their lifestyle, "This is love for God: to obey His commands" (Jn 14:15; 1 Jn 5:3). The Apostle John reminds us that " whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did" (1 Jn 2:6), and James emphasizes that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (Jas 2:17).

Reflection and Application:

See also: assumptions, deception, discernment, end times, eternal security, facts, foundation, salvation, truth.