Definition: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Thessalonians 2:12. It's a really important and sobering passage about the dangers of choosing wrong paths. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse warns against people who believed something untrue – something that goes against God’s word – but didn’t actually understand or accept it. They were so caught up in pleasure and comfort from sin that they chose to live a life of wrongdoing, and ultimately, they were doomed to eternal separation from God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "That they all might be damned..." : This is the core of the warning. "Damned" means lost forever – banished from God’s grace and into eternal punishment. It implies a complete separation from God’s love and salvation. "...who believed not the truth..." : This is crucial. It's not about simply being confused or misled. It means they were actively rejecting or denying something that was fundamentally true – something God has revealed through Scripture. Think of it like ignoring a clear message from your parents or teachers. "...but had pleasure in unrighteousness." : This is the key part. "Unrighteousness" refers to living a life that’s based on sin, selfishness, and worldly desires – things that are against God's will. “Pleasure” here means enjoyment, satisfaction, or comfort from these wrong choices. It suggests a desire for something outside of God, which is inherently disordered. In simpler terms: Imagine someone who believes a false idea, but instead of questioning it or rejecting it, they find happiness and comfort in indulging in sinful behavior. They’re choosing to live a life that's not aligned with God’s plan for them. Why is this important? This verse is a warning about the potential for sin and temptation. It reminds us that we are constantly faced with choices – and those choices can lead us down paths of destruction if we don’t guard our minds and hearts. --- To help me explain it even better, could you tell me: What is your current understanding of this verse? (Have you read it before?) Are there any specific aspects you'd like me to focus on? (For example, are you curious about the context in 2 Thessalonians, or what it means for believers today?)