Delusion is absolutely irrational, stupid and foolish

No sane person (you and me) would allow themselves to be deceived and tricked, fooled.  Right?  We would see it coming and avoid being “deluded”. Right?  Wrong.

The Apostasy.  There is a predicted end times great Delusion coming, called the Apostasy, “the great rebellion, the abandonment of the faith by professed Christians” (2 Thessalonians 2: verses 2-5  AMP version).  This delusion will happen to sane, “professing Christians”.  Beware, Paul says.

“For our appeal
does not come from delusion
or impure motives,
nor [is it motivated] by
deceit
[our message is complete, accurate,
and based on the truth
—it does not change].”
–1 Thessalonians 2:3

People in a delusion, by definition, will maintain a belief as true – inspite of what is generally accepted as reality.  They will hold to their unusual behavior or belief — inspite of any rational argument by others made against that belief. For more, read: Cognitive Dissonance.

A “delusion” is “an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument”.  Idiosyncratic: “an unusual behavior… or reaction of a person or group of people“. (Google)

The true Gospel of Christ, in contrast with delusions:  (1 Thessalonians 2:3)

1. The attractiveness of the true Gospel message is that it is “complete, accurate, and based on the truth—it does not change].”

Contrast that with:

2. A false teacher appeals to people through “delusion… or impure motives… motivated] by deceit”

Do you hold to “truths” which you see and hear other believers deriding as false?  Are you into teachings that differ from historical Christianity?

Cognitive dissonance happens when you don’t want to believe what new evidence is plainly showing you to be the truth – and you are not willing to adjust your core beliefs to accept this new evidence. One becomes really really uncomfortable because of this challenge to what you really prefer to believe.  – Source: Cognitive Dissonance.

There are many references to “delusion” in the Bible. See this Bible search: delusion.  God has always been resolutely set  against deluting forces, those who would cause people to miss-out on what is true, those who would cause people to never come to belief in His Truths – to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

delusion:
*an unshakable theory or belief in something false and impossible, despite evidence to the contrary.

*an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument; “the delusion of being watched”  – Google

A Great Apostasy is predicted.  Whether it is belief in an idol like in the Old Testament, or belief in a false teaching of today, according to the Bible it is a delusion.  When a “delusion” is created:

• people believe a lie (Psalm 62:9)
• people’s customs and decrees are just mere exercises in futility (Jeremiah 10:3)
• people are absolutely “irrational and stupid and foolish” because of their disciplined practice toward something (their “idol”) that is, in reality, simply “ridiculous, empty and worthless” (Jeremiah 10:8)
• people “become stupid and brutelike, without knowledge [of God]” (Jeremiah 51:17-18)
• their “goldsmith” – leaders who actually form the delusionary practice (Jeremiah 51:17-18)
  • are shamed by what they create
  • what they create is a total lie
  • what they create has no true life or spirit
  • what they create is “worthless (empty, false, futile)”,
  • what they create is “a work of delusion and worthy of derision“
• (Jeremiah 51: verse 18) “In the time of their inspection and punishment they will perish.”  When the appointed time arrives for the delusion to be inspected and shown for what it really is – the punishment will be that they will perish – eternally.