The Great Delusion 

2 Thessalonians 2:11 and the Prophetic Unveiling of Our Time

"Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false." (2 Thess 2:11, ESV)

The Apostle Paul’s words to the Thessalonians warn of a time when God Himself would send a delusion, a great deception, that would cause people to embrace lies.  Rooted in the Hebraic understanding of prophetic cycles and spiritual consequences, this passage must be examined not merely as future prophecy but as a lens for discerning present reality. 

In today’s world, saturated with misinformation, spiritual confusion, and a dramatic shift in moral clarity, it appears that this “strong delusion” is not only underway but intensifying.

We are witnessing an unprecedented convergence of spiritual deception, antisemitism, political blindness, and cultural descent.  The conflict involving Israel, the distortion of truth by global media, and the erosion of theological clarity all point to an unravelling of moral and spiritual discernment foretold in Scripture. 

Drawing on the insights I gained from my teachers, primarily Dwight Pryor and Dr. Michael Heiser (both of blessed memory), we explore this delusion as it unfolds in real time.

The Scriptural Context of the Strong Delusion

2 Thessalonians 2 speaks of a rebellion and the rise of the “man of lawlessness.” Paul warns:
"The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false." (2 Thess 2:9-11, ESV)

The delusion Paul describes is not merely passive ignorance, it is an active judgment upon those who refuse to love the truth.  

The reality is that the spiritual realm is actively influencing the visible world.  And the Divine Council worldview helps us see how spiritual beings can inspire ideologies, propaganda and chaos when humanity rejects the truth.  Also viewing these events through a Hebraic mindset helps to understand that truth (emet) is not only doctrine, it is a complete alignment with the God of Israel and His purposes.

The delusion Paul describes is not merely passive ignorance, it is an active judgment upon those who refuse to love the truth.  That truth, in Hebraic understanding, is Torah-rooted, Messiah-centred, and Israel-affirming.

Modern Manifestations of the Delusion

Antisemitism is again becoming socially acceptable, even mainstream, particularly under the guise of political activism.  University campuses in the West, especially in Europe and North America, have become breeding grounds for anti-Israel sentiment cloaked as concern for human rights.  Yet the spiritual roots run deeper; this is a hatred not just of a people, but of God's covenant.

Genesis 12:3 reminds us: "I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonours you I will curse..." Hatred of Israel (as per Scripture’s understanding) is ultimately hatred of God’s redemptive plan. (That, of course, is quite distinct from suggesting it is never Christian or ethical to criticise the Israeli government in any way). Paul affirms in Romans 11:28-29 that "as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers."  The strong delusion has led many, even within the Church, to turn against Israel.
 

The lie of Palestinian indigeneity is often elevated above archaeological, historical, and biblical evidence. 

2. The Lies Surrounding Gaza and the Case of Osama al Rakab
Western media has uncritically accepted the United Nations’ and Hamas' narrative of starvation and victimhood, rarely reporting that Israel has continually sought to provide humanitarian aid, medical treatment, and logistical support to Palestinian civilians.  The case of Osama al Rakab, suffering from a severe genetic condition and currently receiving medical treatment in Italy, funded by the Israeli government, was scarcely mentioned in major media outlets.  Why?  Because it contradicts the narrative designed to demonise Israel and elevate Hamas as freedom fighters.  This is deception by omission, a tactic as old as the serpent in Eden: "Did God actually say...?" (Gen 3:1, ESV)

3. The Silencing of Christian and Druze Victims
Numerous attacks on Christian and Druze communities in Syria have gone unreported by the mainstream press.  These include kidnappings, bombings, and executions, yet they rarely reach international headlines.  The world’s selective outrage is symptomatic of a larger spiritual distortion.  "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness..." (Isa 5:20, ESV)

4. Anti-Israel Rhetoric in Academia and the Streets
University students, faculty, and even clergy are parroting anti-Israel slogans without understanding their spiritual implications.  The lie of Palestinian indigeneity is often elevated above archaeological, historical, and biblical evidence.  This is the same kind of rebellion described in Psalm 2: "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?" (Ps 2:1, ESV)

5. Religious Confusion: Allah as God?
Another sign of the delusion is the increasing tendency in interfaith and ecumenical circles to equate Allah with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  While Islam borrows heavily from biblical terminology, the nature of Allah as understood in Islamic theology is fundamentally incompatible with the God revealed in Scripture.  "What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?" (2 Cor 6:15, ESV)
 

Even a basic knowledge of biblical cosmology and spiritual warfare makes it clear: the unseen realm is not imaginary. 

6. Ecumenicalism, Universalism, and Doctrinal Decay in the Church
The Church has increasingly embraced universalism – the idea that all paths lead to God – as well as ecumenical movements that erase theological distinctiveness in favour of unity.  But Scripture warns: 
"They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace." (Jer 6:14, ESV).

7. Occult Symbolism in Entertainment Media
From Grammy performances to superhero films, occult symbols, inverted crosses and allusions to secret knowledge – these are no longer hidden, they are openly celebrated.  Even a basic knowledge of biblical cosmology and spiritual warfare makes it clear: the unseen realm is not imaginary.  Paul reminds us: 
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against... the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  (Eph 6:12, ESV)

From the very terms used - programming, series etc - our media has been overt in its efforts to nudge and guide our minds.  Their lie is that we can just blow off the implications of watching a show.  But that is not how our human minds work.  Watching horror movies will make the heart rate rise because the visuals and auditory components create a biochemical reaction in the brain that signals the entire body.  Our media companies have taken authority to speak into our minds through television, films, music and more insidiously, social media.

8. Normalisation of Moral Inversion in Law and Culture
In many Western nations, foundational biblical ethics have been legislatively overturned.  What Scripture calls sin, such as abortion, sexual immorality, and gender confusion, is not only accepted but championed by governments, corporations and educational institutions.  Isaiah’s warning rings louder than ever:
 “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isa 5:20, ESV).
 

This societal inversion of good and evil is a clear marker of divine judgment and spiritual blindness.

Governments are criminalising parental resistance to gender reassignment of minors, while the protection of the unborn is framed as oppressive.  This societal inversion of good and evil is a clear marker of divine judgment and spiritual blindness (cf. Rom 1:21-32).

9. The Rise of Technological Idolatry and AI Worship
We are entering an age in which Artificial Intelligence is being discussed as sentient or god-like.  Spiritual language is often used by tech visionaries; “omniscient,” “omnipresent,” “creator”.  Projects like ‘The Way of the Future’ (a proposed AI-based religion) demonstrate how quickly humanity turns from the Creator to the work of its own hands: see Isaiah 2:8, 

“Their land is filled with idols; they bow down to the work of their hands.”.

A biblical understanding of divine beings vying for worship reminds us that modern idolatry is not limited to wood and stone but includes ideologies, technologies and systems that elevate human autonomy above divine authority.

10. Green Religion and Earth Worship
Climate change rhetoric, while important in its stewardship roots, has morphed into a quasi-religious ideology.  Apocalyptic language and guilt-based evangelism around carbon footprints have begun to resemble eschatology without a Messiah.  This echoes Romans 1:25: 

“...they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.”
 

Apocalyptic language and guilt-based evangelism around carbon footprints have begun to resemble eschatology without a Messiah.

Some activist movements now prioritise ‘Mother Earth’ above human life, even advocating population control.  This is not true stewardship, it is spiritual deception masquerading as morality.

11. The Great Apostasy: Leaders Falling Away from the Faith
Pastors, worship leaders and authors, once stalwarts of evangelical faith, have publicly renounced biblical doctrine, or their faith, entirely.  As Paul foretold in 1 Timothy 4:1, 

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” 

This deconstruction of faith, celebrated by the media, is one fruit of the delusion.

12. United Nations Resolutions and Global Powers Aligning Against Israel
The United Nations has passed more resolutions condemning Israel than any other nation; many based on narratives crafted by groups like Hamas.  (Or maybe they are narratives shaped by the United Nations and applied to Hamas.) It seems so bizarre that the United Nations would rather see its Gaza food supplies deliveries attacked and looted by Hamas, who then take what they want before selling-on anything left at extortionate prices, rather than support the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s distribution to ordinary people. 

Having said that, it was United Nations employees who were proven to have taken part in the October 7th atrocities and whose headquarters sat on top of a Hamas data and communications centre that was connected directly into the United Nations systems.  How could anyone be expected to know?  These alignments echo Zechariah 12:3: 

“On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves.” 
 

The United Nations has passed more resolutions condemning Israel than any other nation; many based on narratives crafted by groups like Hamas. 

The world elite’s obsession with Israel is not political. It is spiritual.

Life Application

Pursue Truth Relentlessly:  The delusion targets those who reject truth.  Make it your aim to study the Word, seek wisdom, and discern between holy and profane. 
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Ps 119:105, ESV)

Stand with Israel Biblically:  To love what God loves means to affirm His covenant with Israel.  
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you!" (Ps 122:6, ESV)

Expose Darkness, Even in Popular Culture:  Guard your heart and teach your children. Not all entertainment is harmless. 
"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."  (Eph 5:11, ESV)

Reject Religious Compromise:  Hold fast to the Gospel and resist movements that water down biblical truth.  
"Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 1:3, ESV)
 

Pray that the veil be lifted from eyes deceived by this strong delusion. 

Intercede for the Church and the Nations:  Pray that the veil be lifted from eyes deceived by this strong delusion.  Ask for a spirit of repentance to fall on both Israel and the nations.

Conclusion
The great delusion is not merely coming, it is here. It is manifesting itself through antisemitism, religious syncretism, media manipulation, and cultural depravity.  Yet the Lord always preserves a remnant, those who love the truth, walk humbly with their God, and fear His name.

Let us be watchful, prayerful and grounded in the Word of God, for the days are evil. As Yeshua warned, 
"See that no one leads you astray." (Matt 24:4, ESV)