Note 24 at 2 Th. 2:12: If the Lord didn't give this "strong delusion" (v. 11), then some people would submit to the Lord out of fear or intimidation as they see the signs of the end approaching. Yet, it is impossible to please the Lord without faith (Heb. 11:6). It is not God's will to force people into submission. If it were, He would operate much differently than He does. Therefore, those who reject the truth will have their hearts hardened (see note 3 at Mk. 8:17, p. 258), resulting in their inability to believe and sealing their damnation. This is not unjust on the Lord's part; He will just be enforcing people's own choices (see note 22 at v. 11).

Note 25 at 2 Th. 2:12: All Christians have wondered at some time or another about the ungodly who flaunt their love of sin in the face of God and everything that is decent. If they suffered immediate judgment, it wouldn't be confusing. But the seeming lack of judgment can bring confusion. The writer of Psalm 73 certainly was perplexed about this.

But God is a righteous judge who will set the record straight. His day is coming and it will be terrible on those who received not the love of the truth. Now, God is suffering long with the ungodly so that as many as will believe can be saved (2 Pet. 3:9).