Thomas Aquinas, on 2Tim 2:19

“But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord.”

“But the sure foundation of God stands: he shows how heresies do not altogether subvert the faith. For these foundations are the persons to whom is given the grace to stand immovable: for it was founded upon a rock (Matt 7:25); it stands firm, because it cannot be moved. Hence Matthew first said: and the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and they beat upon that house: and it fell not (Matt 7:25). Its firmness depends, first of all, on God's predestination; second, on our free will. Hence in regard to the first he says: this sure foundation having this seal, i.e., this is the sign of its firmness: he that has received his testimony has set to his seal that God is true (John 3:33). And this is the first part of the seal, namely, from divine predestination, for the Lord knows who are his: I know my sheep, and other sheep I have that are not of this fold (John 10:14); I know you not (Matt 7:23). But as to the second he says, let everyone depart from iniquity, who names the name of the Lord. As if to say: they are so predestined by God as to be saved by their free will: because one shows that he is predestined, if in the end he does not adhere to sin. And he mentions two things which pertain to those predestined to be saved: first, they confess the faith; hence he says, everyone who names the name of the Lord: but with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation (Rom 10:10); second, that they withdraw from sin: not everyone that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt 7:21). Hence he says, let everyone depart from iniquity: let the wicked forsake his way (Isa 55:7). But the fact that he says, who names the name, must be understood not of orally naming, but inwardly by faith and outwardly by good works.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.