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If it is impossible for mankind to know the truth, God is nothing more than a sadistic tyrant! If a strong delusion such as the one mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2 is extremely difficult to avoid, God’s fairness certainly ought to be questioned. If the power of Satan cannot be readily seen as inferior when compared to God’s unlimited power, then how can humanity legitimately be held accountable for doing so?

These and similar questions come into play when one considers the consequences of failing to detect the “strong delusion” and for failing to receive the love of the truth. Yet, the scriptures make it abundantly clear that God’s messengers (and hence their messages) are clearly distinguishable from messengers from other sources. Consider the case that is laid out in the following paragraphs.

“Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.’” (Matthew 11.1-6).

Before continuing, look again at Jesus’ response to the question, “Are you the Coming One, or do we look for another?” His response was concise and totally unambiguous! He simply said, in so many words, “The miraculous works that are being done are unmistakable proof of my identity and of my authority!” Now compare what Jesus said was being done surrounding His ministry with the works that He empowered the Twelve to perform. Of His own ministry, Jesus said, “The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” He sent the Twelve out and charged them to “…Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.” (Matthew 10.8). In both instances, the miraculous was a “badge of authority” that guaranteed the legitimacy of the messenger and of the message!

As we observed in a previous message, the truth invites investigation. John recorded such an occasion and it is cited here: “Then the Jews surrounded Him [Jesus] and said to Him, ‘How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.’” (John 10.24-25). Jesus did not come in word only; He came with power. Likewise He sent out His apostles with power. Paul stated the case when He said, “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” (1 Thessalonians 1.5).

Anyone who claims to receive his message directly from God and who will not prove his authority by miracles is an impostor and a minister of Satan! Strong words, but true!

Questions:

1. How did Jesus imply that John could tell His true identity and authority?

2. What are the similarities between Jesus’ miraculous works and those He empowered the Twelve to perform?

3. When the Jews did not believe His words, to what did Jesus appeal in order to prove His identity and authority (see John 10.24-25).

4. Consider the case Paul made to the brethren at Thessalonica. How could they have known that he was a messenger of God and that his message was true?

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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