2 Timothy 2:19

“God's Firm Foundation”
July 24, 2011

19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

19 But God's firm foundation stands,
When all around us seems to be in flux or disorder, we need to remember that God is not panicking. He has a changeless decree and has established the coming new heavens and new earth on a very firm foundation. The one who knows both the beginning and the end knows what to do and what to say.

The topic of God's firm foundation comes up here in the context of a very puzzling and troubling occasion. People that have been a part of the church have begun to believe and teach dangerous doctrine about the resurrection. How could it be that two well known people to Timothy and Paul have embraced the false idea that the resurrection has already come? How could the sovereign God allow this to happen?

bearing this seal:
But God's firm foundation stands. It has a seal on it, a solemn pair of sentences.

“The Lord knows those who are his,” and,
The first sentence affirms that God knows His people. We belong to him. He loves us with an everlasting love. Our names were written in his book before the world began. Our days were known to Him before we experienced even one of them. This is part of the Lord's seal on the firm foundation of all His kingdom promises.

Our status as the chosen of God comes to us in Jesus Christ. He is the chosen one.

“Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
The second sentence is like it, though we might not at first see the connection. This part of the seal is God's call on the lives of His people to turn away from all sin. Repentance, like all of the Lord's blessings, is a gift from God, lest anyone should boast. If we believe in the Lord, this is a gift. If we turn away from sin, this too is a gift. God calls His people to holiness, but He is not stingy in giving us sanctification. This is His will for us.

Our status as the holy people of God is in Jesus Christ. He is the holy one.

In Him this seal holds together. Jesus is the guarantee of the Lord's revealing of the sons of God in the day when He comes with all His holy angels and with all His saints in heaven. Christ is the beloved chosen one of God, and He is the holy one of God. Let us rejoice in Him, receive God's unchanging covenant love, and depart from all iniquity.

Along the way you may see many a Hymenaeus and Philetus in the church who will cause distress for many. Through it all, remember Jesus. The disturbing errors of church leaders and believers, though they lead many astray, cannot change your election or the Lord's gracious call upon your life. He knows you and He is calling you to depart from iniquity.