II Thessalonians 2:12
“in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”
This is another scary verse. It reminds me of the response, “I’ll believe when I’m older”, or “I’ll accept Christ on my deathbed”. While the Lord will certainly adopt any of us at any time, this passage seems to say the person may not ask later. The earlier verses spoke of how God cements people’s choices. If we don’t receive the “love of the truth”, He sends a delusion that allow us to “believe what is false”. We see this today. People are outspokenly confident as they rail against those that believe biblically.
God honors people’s choices. Even when they choose against Him. This is one of the great freedoms of being human, free will. This is a demonstration of His great love for us. It’s quite a contrast to the oppression that some feel.
There are people in country’s that aren’t free. Some come from families that are controlling or judgmental. Those individuals have governmental oppression or psychological (or relational) slavery. The freedom that the Lord gives is liberating. It does give the freedom to not choose Him or to put Him off.
Some choose God, but it takes time to feel the freedom from their oppressive backgrounds. They certainly will feel freedom at increments. But living the freedom takes time. There is much damage that needs undoing. God is patient and slowly loosens the binds. Jesus said to Lazurus’ friends, “Go and unbind him”, (John 11:44). The Lord often uses people to release us from the darkness we struggle with.
While God constantly reaches us to us, our ignoring Him, causes us to grow dull of hearing. In time our hearing is so calloused, we rarely sense Him. Today’s passage speaks of how this person is reserving a place in judgment for themselves.
I’ve heard some say, “How could God send that person to hell?” This verse indicates that people choose their destiny. “Not receiving the love of the truth” and taking “pleasure in wickedness” are two lifestyle choices that are made early on. We can be nice, productive people, but not choose God.
Lord, help us to respond to You. Break the hold in us that loves wickedness or doesn’t love Your truth.