What does the Bible say about a strong delusion in the end times (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)?

from the old testament

• The strong delusion in the end times is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

• Second Thessalonians 2:9-12 speaks of a strong delusion God will send in the end times: "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, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness." In context, this strong delusion is a divine judgment—God allows those who reject the gospel to be swept away by the lies they have chosen to believe.
• This strong delusion God will send is something that will serve as part of God's overall judgment of the Earth during the seven-year tribulation period following the rapture of believers to heaven (1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
• This strong delusion will take place during the time of the lawless one (2 Thessalonians 2:8), also called the Antichrist or beast elsewhere in Scripture (Revelation 13). He is the one Jesus will kill with "the breath of his mouth" (2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 19:15).
• God sending a delusion is only part of the account. Two other aspects are clear: Satan is involved (2 Thessalonians 2:9), and this delusion applies to those "who did not believe the truth" (2 Thessalonians 2:12). It is incorrect to simply say God tricks these people. Instead, those who are influenced by Satan and do not believe are among those who accept the delusion God will send into the world during this time. God desires for all to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).
• This strong delusion will also be during the time when many will rebel against God. Second Thessalonians 2:3 says, "For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed." The Antichrist will arise and many will join him in rebellion against God.
• People will be fooled during this time by Satan's power and false miracles. Second Thessalonians 2:9 states, "The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders."
• In Revelation 13:3-4 there is another prediction that this deception will occur. The Antichrist will appear to die or come close to death, yet be healed: "One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?'" Many will be tricked into worshiping the Antichrist as a result.

implications for today

Deception is not just a future event tied to the Antichrist—it is a present danger that threatens our faith every day. We see it in false teachings that twist Scripture, media that normalizes sin, and a culture that pressures us to compromise biblical truth. Social media spreads lies that confuse many, and even churches can fall into error when they prioritize popularity over God’s Word. To stand firm, we must stay rooted in Scripture, test every teaching against the Bible (1 John 4:1), and rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. When we prioritize truth, seek wisdom, and surround ourselves with faithful believers, we guard ourselves against the deception that will only increase as the end times draw near. During the tribulation, those who reject Christ will be deceived by the Antichrist and worship him. This will end in eternal destruction. The only way to escape the deception of Satan is to repent, believe in Jesus as Lord, and stand firm in God's truth, relying on Scripture and the Holy Spirit for discernment. But waiting until then is not wise—deception is already at work, and every day that someone delays surrendering to Christ, they risk hardening their hearts to the truth. Now is the time to seek Jesus, walk in obedience, and strengthen our faith so we will not be led astray when trials and falsehoods come.