It is said to this purpose, in one of Paul’s epistles to the Thessalonians, that because men receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved; ‘for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; that they might be damned’ (2 Thess 2:11,12).
LIGHT FOR THEM THAT SIT IN DARKNESS – By John Bunyan—1674
11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
2 Thess 2:11,12
‘The truth’ mentioned in this place is Jesus Christ. ‘I am the truth,’ saith he (John 14:6). The love of the truth is none else but the love and compassion of Jesus Christ in shedding his blood for man’s redemption. ‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends’ (John 15:13). This, then, is the love of the Truth (of Jesus), that he hath laid down his life for us. Now, that the rejecters of this love should by this their rejecting procure such wrath of God against them, that rather than they shall miss of damnation, himself will choose their delusions for them, and also give them up to the effectual working of these delusions, what doth this manifest but that God is displeased with them that accept not of Jesus Christ for righteousness, and will certainly order that their end shall be everlasting damnation? therefore Jesus Christ hath paid full price to God for sinners, and obtained eternal redemption for them.
LIGHT FOR THEM THAT SIT IN DARKNESS – By John Bunyan—1674
In a world entrenched in diverse beliefs, John Bunyan’s reflections on the passage from the second epistle to the Thessalonians resonate profoundly. Written in 1674, his words echo a timeless sentiment: the significance of truth, the love embodied in Jesus Christ, and the perilous consequence of rejecting this love.
Bunyan’s explication revolves around the notion that the love of truth symbolizes Jesus Christ’s compassion manifested in his sacrifice for human redemption. Within this perspective, rejecting this love is seen as rejecting Christ’s sacrifice, a stance that incurs divine displeasure and, ultimately, eternal damnation.
The scripture from 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 underscores the gravity of rejecting the truth—Jesus Christ—leading to a powerful delusion that causes individuals to believe falsehoods and, consequently, face condemnation. Bunyan’s interpretation aligns with this, emphasizing that the rejection of Christ’s love incurs the wrath of God, resulting in the divine choice to let individuals embrace delusions, sealing their fate of damnation.
Central to Bunyan’s argument is the concept that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice epitomizes the ultimate act of love—a love so profound that it surpasses any other demonstration of devotion. He highlights Christ’s declaration, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” underscoring the depth and magnitude of this sacrificial love.
Bunyan’s message transcends the barriers of time, reflecting an enduring truth that challenges individuals to acknowledge and accept the love of Jesus Christ. His writings serve as a cautionary tale, urging people to embrace the truth embodied in Christ’s love to avoid the perilous path of delusion and damnation.
Furthermore, Bunyan emphasizes the pivotal role of personal choice in accepting or rejecting this love. The passage elucidates that individuals who delight in wickedness and spurn the truth of Christ’s sacrifice are the ones susceptible to the powerful delusion and subsequent condemnation.
In Bunyan’s narrative, the relationship between truth, love, rejection, and consequence is delicately woven. It underscores the gravity of rejecting the love offered by Christ and the inevitable repercussions—a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing the truth and love exemplified in Jesus Christ.
The message remains relevant today, inviting introspection and contemplation on the significance of accepting or rejecting the love of truth embodied in Christ. It stands as an eternal reminder of the profound consequences that follow such choices—a narrative that transcends time, resonating deeply with the human quest for spiritual truth and redemption.