Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Timothy 2:19

19 Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal; The Lord knoweth them that are his , and, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity .

Notwithstanding that these two men (possibly of some note in the Church of Ephesus) have fallen from the Faith, and have been ill instruments to subvert the Faith of others, yet God hath a number in the World, who are built upon the Rock Christ Jesus, Matth. 7.25. these are founded surely,

Sealed, and confirmed in their State by the Eternal Decree and Counsel of God, who hath foreknown his Elect, both as to their number and perseverance, but God hath from Eternity known who are his, and therefore such as truly are so, must be kept through Faith by his Power to Salvation, and it is not possible that these should be totally and finally deceived.

And every one that nameth the name of the Lord must depart from the Tents of wicked men, who have made shipwrack both of Faith, and a good Conscience; therefore let not the Apostacy of these men be a Temptation to thee to think that the Church of God may or shall [illegible: 1 letter]ail; that cannot be, there can be no more lost than the sons of Perdition; such as God never knew as his though they put on a mark of Christianity and Godliness, and deceived many. Those who have Gods Seal upon them, and are of his Foundation, shall stand and keep themselves from those damnable Errors. Onely to let us know that neither the certainty of Gods Decree or Promise, doth excuse our indeavours and using means for obtaining the thing decreed or promised; the Apostle puts the Verb in the Imperative Mood, Let him depart, &c.

Marginal references: Or, steady.; Joh. 10.14. see Num. 16.5.