A Two-Sided Seal - 2 Timothy 2:19

  

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
- 2 Timothy 2:19

    The Gospel is replete with dualities, from the very concepts of good and evil to the idea that there is bad news (the state of fallen humanity) and Good News (salvation through faith in Jesus Christ). So the two-sided seal God’s “solid foundation” simply states that God knows His own, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14) and that they, in turn, will depart from their sinfulness. “Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell forevermore. For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.” - Psalm 37:27-28.
    This solid foundational seal had its origin before the beginning of the world when God specifically selected those who He would elect to save. The flip side of the seal is the ongoing sanctification of true believers. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling . . .” - Philippians 2:12. This is not to say that we add a thing to Christ’s work on the cross. Our salvation has indeed been secured. Our command is merely to bear the fruit of our redemption. “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” - Matthew 7:20. While Jesus was referring to false prophets in His metaphor, the allusion to the fruit we all are to bear is obvious. I cannot recall the number of “nominal Christians” I have met who were only known to be Christians because they said they were Christians. The “fruit” they displayed wasn’t fit for worms! “Carnal Christians,” they call themselves.
    I found it best to often simply walk away. The antagonism invoked by even a gentle word of rebuke was not worth the confrontation, especially in front of new believers. I wrestled with the idea that I had not done my duty; after all, was I not charged to correct them? “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” - 1 Timothy 5:20.
    The conflicting commands regarding the correction of a fellow Christian often brought me a sense of confusion and frustration. Seeking assurance, I found our title verse and took heart, understanding that “the Lord knows those who are His.” There will be no fooling or deceiving God. He knows who are His and He is aware of the tares which grow in His fields of gold. Regardless of what a man may say, God knows! “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” - Hebrews 4:13.
    Bolstering Paul’s words to the elected saints was his admonishment to depart from iniquity. The words of Christ come to my mind - “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” - Matt 6:24. One of the central tenets of Christ’s discourse in the Sermon on the Mount, He emphasizes that serving (obeying) God must replace our carnal attachment to the world. Departing from iniquity exemplifies serving and obeying God.
    We who are the elect can find rest in the doctrinally solid foundation of God’s perfect knowledge of those who are His. May we all live a life that glorifies our heavenly father.