And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:10)
Just as rejection of the truth which is in Christ Jesus spells death, so its acceptance brings life unto eternal salvation.
The love of the truth.
The unregenerate not only reject truth but even refuse to entertain a love for truth, that is, they hate truth. This attitude does not concern truth in the abstract, but “the truth,” the one great truth that comes from God, which is embodied in Christ Jesus. Final condemnation of sinners will be based on their rejection of Jesus, who is “the truth” (John 14:6). Their refusal to cherish a love for what is true makes them susceptible to being influenced by all that is deceitful, by all the machinations of the wicked one.
Received.
Gr. dechomai, “to receive with favor,”“to welcome” (see on 2 Cor. 6:1). Paul here puts his finger on the reason why the unbelievers will be deceived. They had had an opportunity to love the truth, but had spurned that privilege.
In them that perish.
Literally, “to [or, “for”] the perishing ones,” or “for them that are perishing.” The same Greek phrase occurs in 2 Cor. 2:15; 4:3. Satan succeeds in deceiving the unredeemed. The elect will not be deceived (cf. Matt. 24:23-27).
All deceivableness of unrighteousness.
That is, all deceit that comes from unrighteousness. This further identifies the nature of the counterfeit by laying bare its purpose (to deceive) and origin (unrighteousness).