2 Thessalonians 2:9–17

⁹The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses all power, signs, lying wonders,^{* 10}and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.^{* 11}For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion, leading them to believe what is false,^{* 12}so that all who have not believed the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned.^*

Chosen for Salvation

¹³But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits^f for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth.^{* 14}For this purpose he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.^{* 15}So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.^*

¹⁶Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, ¹⁷comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.^*