What is the Strong Delusion? Extraterrestrial Designers seeded belief in God

[Nathan]

If one reviews the first 4 vials of God's wrath [Rev. 16:1-9], one can see that the mark of the beast is rec'd long before Satan, and his angels, are cast out from heaven. In fact, the entire purpose of the first 4 vials of God's wrath is to get those, who already have taken the mark of the beast, to repent. Undoubtedly, those 4 vials are directed at the church.

Hence, it becomes equally clear that the mark of the beast is not a bar code, computer chip, or other device installed by Satan's angels. All those theories are pure nonsense.

Therefore, it is fair to conclude that the mark of the beast consists of those false christian teachings, which will lead one to worship the Antichrist. Certainly, the rapture religion qualifies for the mark of the beast based upon their predominant teaching that Christ is the first to arrive on the scene to fly them away.

Another lesser sect of professed Christians that would qualify as having already taken the mark of the beast would be Preterists. It is my understanding that Preterism teaches that all endtime tribulation events have already taken place, except for the return of Christ. Hence, they will also be willing dupes when Satan, as the Antichrist, returns first.

I think it is important to distinguish between the 'delusion' of 2 Thes. 2:11 with the deception of the beast [Satan] of Rev. 12:9. The delusion of 2 Thes. 2:11 is a spirit of delusion from God given to rapturists, and other non-believing Christians, who were taught the Truth of God's Word and, thereafter, rejected it for their tradition-of-man religious beliefs that will have them worshipping Satan at the endtime. As you said, they will find a way to twist/ignore Bible Truth. Unfortunately, if they do not change their ways, they will earn a trip to the Lake of Fire.

I believe that the mark will definitely not be some "man made" device. However, it will, or rather is, the "mark" of the beast. And the "mark" of Satan is pure lawlessness. Rapture theology fits this bill, but so do many other (false)"church" doctrines.

Together, they all lead one, instead of the Spirit leading. Man has reverted back to the days of looking to 'teaching' for guidance rather than Christ. I believe that you can look at the "rapture" as a indication of a mark. But we must understand that the mark can be taken on the 'forehead'(knowledge/devotion of/to) or on the 'hand'(doing of). It can be an either/or thing. It can also be both, but it does not have to be.

Rev 14:9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,

I do agree though, it is a pretty strong delusion, and quite possibly is one of the very main points of acknowledgement. It is written quite often that the 'spirit of antichrist' denies Jesus coming in the flesh. Rapture believers definitely believe that He comes in the flesh, but only the second-second time.

 

[Sinthesis]

Therefore, it is fair to conclude that the mark of the beast consists of those false christian teachings, which will lead one to worship the Antichrist. Certainly, the rapture religion qualifies for the mark of the beast based upon their predominant teaching that Christ is the first to arrive on the scene to fly them away.

Another lesser sect of professed Christians that would qualify as having already taken the mark of the beast would be Preterists. It is my understanding that Preterism teaches that all endtime tribulation events have already taken place, except for the return of Christ. Hence, they will also be willing dupes when Satan, as the Antichrist, returns first.

Why will they be "willing dupes"? Does any Christian who doesn't share your eschatological view lack the discernment to perceive the difference between Christ and antichrist?

 

[Watchman_2]

I believe that the mark will definitely not be some "man made" device. However, it will, or rather is, the "mark" of the beast. And the "mark" of Satan is pure lawlessness. Rapture theology fits this bill, but so do many other (false)"church" doctrines.

Together, they all lead one, instead of the Spirit leading. Man has reverted back to the days of looking to 'teaching' for guidance rather than Christ. I believe that you can look at the "rapture" as a indication of a mark. But we must understand that the mark can be taken on the 'forehead'(knowledge/devotion of/to) or on the 'hand'(doing of). It can be an either/or thing. It can also be both, but it does not have to be.

Rev 14:9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,

I do agree though, it is a pretty strong delusion, and quite possibly is one of the very main points of acknowledgement. It is written quite often that the 'spirit of antichrist' denies Jesus coming in the flesh. Rapture believers definitely believe that He comes in the flesh, but only the second-second time.

The mark in the forehead is one's beliefs. Accepting the rapture as truth is taking the mark in the forehead. Preterism, and other unbiblical beliefs, which cause one to believe that Christ arrives on the scene first are equally false beliefs that qualify as the mark of the beast.

It is important to distinguish between hell-bound false beliefs and other false beliefs. For instance, young-earthers are biblically illiterate about much of the bible. But, if they know that Satan arrives first, their false beliefs about the age of the earth do not qualify them as having taken the mark of the beast.

Hence, lawlessness, as you proffer, is not the mark of the beast. The mark is very specific false beliefs which would have one worshipping Satan in the endtime.

The mark in the hand is symbolic of doing Satan's work. Teaching/promoting rapture/preterist beliefs, at this time, is taking the mark in one's hand. When the Antichrist is here, those delivering up the true Christians to Satan's councils will be doing Satan's work as well.

 

[Watchman_2]

Why will they be "willing dupes"? Does any Christian who doesn't share your eschatological view lack the discernment to perceive the difference between Christ and antichrist?

Any professed Christian, who doesn't know that Satan, as the Antichrist, is the first supernatural entity on the scene pretending to be the real Christ, will be "willing dupes". Rapturists openly preach/teach the lie that Christ returns first. Preterism teaches that we all are only waiting for Christ's return.

Of course, there are countless millions of Christians who are altogether clueless about endtime events as their churches don't teach it. Most of them will be duped as well.

If there was no hope for some to see the light during Satan's reign, God would have no need to send the two witnesses and have His elect giving testimony up to the end. So, some will have a change of heart or will see that this first supernatural entity is the damned devil.

The Antichrist is, by definition, the 'instead of Christ' or the fake/imposter Christ. Since the Antichrist has supernatural powers, most, unless grounded in Bible Truth, will be willing dupes because they think he is the true Christ.

 

[Sinthesis]

Any professed Christian, who doesn't know that Satan, as the Antichrist, is the first supernatural entity on the scene pretending to be the real Christ, will be "willing dupes". Rapturists openly preach/teach the lie that Christ returns first. Preterism teaches that we all are only waiting for Christ's return.

Of course, there are countless millions of Christians who are altogether clueless about endtime events as their churches don't teach it. Most of them will be duped as well.

If there was no hope for some to see the light during Satan's reign, God would have no need to send the two witnesses and have His elect giving testimony up to the end. So, some will have a change of heart or will see that this first supernatural entity is the damned devil.

The Antichrist is, by definition, the 'instead of Christ' or the fake/imposter Christ. Since the Antichrist has supernatural powers, most, unless grounded in Bible Truth, will be willing dupes because they think he is the true Christ.

As a 'partial preterist' I think you are missing the point. Partial preterism can split the difference between your bogeyman of full preterism and the arrogance of futurists. Don't presume that your fellow Believers are idiots.

 

[Nathan]

The mark in the forehead is one's beliefs. Accepting the rapture as truth is taking the mark in the forehead. Preterism, and other unbiblical beliefs, which cause one to believe that Christ arrives on the scene first are equally false beliefs that qualify as the mark of the beast.

It is important to distinguish between hell-bound false beliefs and other false beliefs. For instance, young-earthers are biblically illiterate about much of the bible. But, if they know that Satan arrives first, their false beliefs about the age of the earth do not qualify them as having taken the mark of the beast.

Hence, lawlessness, as you proffer, is not the mark of the beast. The mark is very specific false beliefs which would have one worshipping Satan in the endtime.

The mark in the hand is symbolic of doing Satan's work. Teaching/promoting rapture/preterist beliefs, at this time, is taking the mark in one's hand. When the Antichrist is here, those delivering up the true Christians to Satan's councils will be doing Satan's work as well.

No. The mark is either taken or not. That means people have to make a "willful" decision for the mark or not. There are many people on the earth that could care less about whether "Christians" will be raptured before or after tribulation. So therefore, their lack of concern or even desire to think about it, would exclude them from receiving a mark on forehead or hand.

Muslims do not believe in a "pre-trib" rapture, but you won't find them on the flip side of the ones who take the mark. The mark will be a distinct dividing line between the world and the church. It is not just a dividing line within the church. The ONLY thing that links "false" believers with the world is lawlessness. Righteousness - Unrighteousness. Light - Darkness. Sinners - Saints.

But I believe you are right in that the Rapture will/is play/playing a SIGNIFICANT role in the delusion of those with the willful desire to go against the truth. As it is stated as the reason why God sends them the delusion.

 

[Eventide]

The rapture of the church of God is a biblical fact.. it's the TIMING which is often debated.. and that typically comes down to many in the church of God being taught that they are the 'spiritual Israel'.. there's no such thing as a spiritual Israel in scripture.. there is the Israel of God.. an earthly entity with earthly ordinances.. and there's the church of God.. a heavenly entity with our citizenship being in heaven, not on earth.

 

[Watchman_2]

As a 'partial preterist' I think you are missing the point. Partial preterism can split the difference between your bogeyman of full preterism and the arrogance of futurists. Don't presume that your fellow Believers are idiots.

There will be plenty of smart rapturists and preterists, as well as Catholics and Protestants, that will be willing dupes. My 'fellow' Believers know that Antichrist comes first. My definition of an idiot is one that, after being taught the Truth, rejects it for their respective tradition-of-man religion.

I don't know, or care, what part of the false preterist religion you believe in -- it is irrelevant. If you don't know that Antichrist comes first, you will likely be a willing dupe at the endtime. This Truth crosses all professed-Christian religious ideology.

 

[ada]

Mr Persson what is your intention that you are crossposting this in other forums as well?

 

[Sinthesis]

There will be plenty of smart rapturists and preterists, as well as Catholics and Protestants, that will be willing dupes. My 'fellow' Believers know that Antichrist comes first. My definition of an idiot is one that, after being taught the Truth, rejects it for their respective tradition-of-man religion.

I don't know, or care, what part of the false preterist religion you believe in -- it is irrelevant. If you don't know that Antichrist comes first, you will likely be a willing dupe at the endtime. This Truth crosses all professed-Christian religious ideology.

Yes antichrist comes first, but even now are there many antichrists. It is Christians who can tell the difference. What's important is for Christians to not be duped into equating eschatology with ideology.

 

[Watchman_2]

The rapture of the church of God is a biblical fact.. it's the TIMING which is often debated.. and that typically comes down to many in the church of God being taught that they are the 'spiritual Israel'.. there's no such thing as a spiritual Israel in scripture.. there is the Israel of God.. an earthly entity with earthly ordinances.. and there's the church of God.. a heavenly entity with our citizenship being in heaven, not on earth.

I hate to break the news to you; but, there is no such thing as the 'rapture of the church' in the Bible manuscripts. 'Rapture' is a tradition-of-man religion making void the Word of Truth.

It is you folks, as I addressed in my posts herein, who, if holding true to form and looking for Christ to return first, are the willing dupes that will be deceived by the Antichrist. If you have already been taught that the Antichrist returns first and you chose to reject that Truth for the lie of rapture, the 'delusion' of 2 Thes. 2:11 applies to you. God will give you that spirit of delusion so that you will, absent repentance, be unable to see Truth and so that you can be damned [2 Thes. 2:11-12].

 

[warhorse]

As a 'partial preterist' I think you are missing the point. Partial preterism can split the difference between your bogeyman of full preterism and the arrogance of futurists. Don't presume that your fellow Believers are idiots.

Agreed!!!

 

[warhorse]

There will be plenty of smart rapturists and preterists, as well as Catholics and Protestants, that will be willing dupes. My 'fellow' Believers know that Antichrist comes first. My definition of an idiot is one that, after being taught the Truth, rejects it for their respective tradition-of-man religion.

I don't know, or care, what part of the false preterist religion you believe in -- it is irrelevant. If you don't know that Antichrist comes first, you will likely be a willing dupe at the endtime. This Truth crosses all professed-Christian religious ideology.

That is just silly, there had to be a christ, before there was an anti-christ.
Christ came the first time, then anti-christs came after that. Your choking on your own pride.

 

[Watchman_2]

Yes antichrist comes first, but even now are there many antichrists. It is Christians who can tell the difference. What's important is for Christians to not be duped into equating eschatology with ideology.

Yes, it does not matter what road one takes to know the single most important endtime Truth -- the Antichrist [Satan, as the fake Christ] comes first. All other disputed doctrine takes a back seat to this Truth. I surmise that is the reason why the first seal opened by the Lamb [Rev. 6:2] is the revealing of the Antichrist. Though the 6th seal chronologically, it is the most important endtime Truth for Christians to know.

 

[warhorse]

Yes, it does not matter what road one takes to know the single most important endtime Truth -- the Antichrist [Satan, as the fake Christ] comes first. All other disputed doctrine takes a back seat to this Truth. I surmise that is the reason why the first seal opened by the Lamb [Rev. 6:2] is the revealing of the Antichrist. Though the 6th seal chronologically, it is the most important endtime Truth for Christians to know.

If the first seal was the anti-christ, why did christ open it.

 

[Sam21]

If the first seal was the anti-christ, why did christ open it.

The scroll is a revelation of what will happen in the future, the Lamb was the only one worthy to reveal the future, the reality of the future is that the antichrist comes first.

 

[Watchman_2]

That is true. But neither do they discern the hour of inspection of the church before hand. They confuse it to be a rapture and it is not, nor is it a visible presence. It is in fact a spiritual presence that precedes his visible arrival.

And in the confusion many dismiss that spiritual presence so that they do not know what is done within it. They then get caught naked and ashamed at his visible arrival.

This is similar to what I talked about on another thread where a person told me no judging was done during the 40 odd years the people of Israel dwelt in the desert.

I will go get that and repost some of here. OK, this is it:

(We are very close to agreement but for one small thing. In what you refer to there in the OT, Moses and the Law of God as given through he and Aaron did begin judging them there in the wilderness.

Where I see the confusion is that you are viewing the entirety of God's harvest as first fruits with the principal first fruit Christ. And that just is not so. Where there are first fruits there is also the late harvest.

The first fruits in Christ are one body with Christ in that they too correspond to Moses and Aaron through who judging was done.

In fact, the entire purpose of giving the law through Moses and Aaron in the flesh was to judge men. And that Law was given while they were yet in the wilderness. And through Moses and Aaron the people were begun being judged for a while by that Law in that wilderness.

I think you know that but have just not yet connected all of the dots.

This statement of Jesus applies only to those first fruits:

Matthew 18:18 "Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.")

You see, right now the spiritual Israel lives as that Israel did in the wilderness with its Tabernacle. The comparison to Solomon' s temple comes only after they enter the promised land. That promised land is the entire earth given under the control of Christ's kingdom with the rule of our current national governments put down. That happens as the start of the millennium.

Revelation 12:6 "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."

You lost me with your post. I have no idea what you are promoting or the relevance to the 'delusion' of 2 Thes. 2:11. I see no linkage in your writing to the topic or anything that I have written. You are using some terminology that is undefined, such as 'the hour of inspection of the church' and 'spiritual Israel'.

So, I cannot reply to your post in any meaningful manner.

 

[Sam21]

The rapture of the church of God is a biblical fact.. it's the TIMING which is often debated.. and that typically comes down to many in the church of God being taught that they are the 'spiritual Israel'.. there's no such thing as a spiritual Israel in scripture.. there is the Israel of God.. an earthly entity with earthly ordinances.. and there's the church of God.. a heavenly entity with our citizenship being in heaven, not on earth.

The gathering of the church is a fact, the word "rapture" usually means before the tribulation(pre-trib)and there is no pre-trib rapture of the church in the bible. The first century church was composed of the elect of Israel and the elect of the gentiles. The elect of Israel were still Israel, they did not cease to be Israel because they were obedient to God by accepting Christ. So the church was,is, and always will be, the elect of Israel and the elect of the gentiles. Because the church contains the obedient of Israel one cannot ever completely separate the church and Israel.

 

[warhorse]

The scroll is a revelation of what will happen in the future, the Lamb was the only one worthy to reveal the future, the reality of the future is that the antichrist comes first.

What makes you believe that, the first horsemen is the anti-christ. When will it be opened, or was it opened already. and dont tell me (i believe) show me scripture to support your position.

 

[Watchman_2]

99% of the comments on this thread are not Biblically supported but by misunderstanding of scripture.

They do not have the beast corectly identified. They are touting the power behind the beast as though it is the beast.

Someone said there is no rapture which I agree with. But what I see here reminds me of a scripture in the book of Acts which has been typical of the form of Christianity most visible in this world for quite some time now:

Acts 19:32 "Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together."

I said that this delusion is complex. It has been here a while and so has that composite son of perdition, man of sin.

But the "know" body does not want to listen because they think they already know so much that they only mistakenly know and do not know it.

The great tribulation is about to be released any second. God must cut it short so that flesh can be saved as Jesus said at Matthew 24:22.

Surely you can see that the tribulation of our day has been worse than this world has ever seen before for quite a while now.

I am sorry -- I cannot make any sense out of your writing. So, once again, I cannot reply in any meaningful manner.