Satan works through an endless variety of lies and seductions. Believers do not have to be bewildered or overwhelmed. Truth itself is not complex. “The truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21). Our role is to follow Jesus as He has revealed Himself and His will. “Love the truth” and pursue it relentlessly. Then, it does not matter how many persuasive falsehoods assault us. But, without complete commitment to truth, we invite into our hearts the lies that give us pleasure.
The mystery of lawlessness is already at work…. 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. (2 Thessalonians 2:7, 9-12)
This is the passage that predicts “the rebellion”—also translated as “the apostasy” and “the falling away” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Whether this apostasy or another, the chances are that we already have been caught up in movements that have left Christ’s path. Very likely, we already have compromised to make His teachings more comfortable, more socially acceptable. Let God’s word correct and train us (2 Timothy 3:16). Let it cut deeply into our minds and hearts (Acts 2:37).
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)