2 Timothy 2:19 19However, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
Paul provides the alternative and better route to follow compared to the ruinous path of Hymenaeus and Philetus. The metaphor shifts to a building with a firm foundation. This building is built on strength that will keep it from crumbling during the earthquakes of suffering and the temptation of moral compromise. The seal would be an inscription on the wall or foundation that identified the building, possibly as a memorial or honor.
The foundation has two inscriptions. The first is a quotation from Number 16:5 and shows that God knows people’s motives and sees their actions. God knows those who follow his truths and those who believe or teach lies. This verse is a strong warning to the Ephesian church that God saw what was happening with the false teachers and those who followed them. The source of the second quotation is unknown but its ideas are consistent with Paul’s teachings and Scriptural truth. Naming the name of the Lord means to confess and believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-13). Turning from unrighteousness is what repentance means. Repentance must accompany faith. We prove we believe in Jesus by turning away from sin and the old life of selfishness and pride. A person may profess to believe in Jesus, but this profession is shown to be empty if a lifestyle change does not follow.
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