“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 first quotation given to us here in 2 Timothy 2:19 may reference an incident recorded in the Old Testament book of Numbers. You see, Numbers chapter sixteen relates the account of a man named Korah who led of group of others in an insurgency against Moses’ leadership. That portion of Scripture tells us that these men “…came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, ‘You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” (NIV).
However, Moses’ response to this accusation revealed that he actually held a different attitude: “When Moses heard it he fell down with his face to the ground” (Numbers 16:4). While the group opposing Moses displayed arrogance and disrespect, his reaction displayed an attitude of meekness and prayerful humility. He then followed by saying, “…the Lord will show who is His…” (Numbers 16:5).
Numbers chapter sixteen is also instructive for another reason. First, this passage tells us it is wrong to follow Korah’s bad example. God’s swift and devastating response to Korah and his followers punctuates the inappropriate nature of his example. Instead, the right approach involves a commitment to follow Jesus’ directive from Matthew 18:15-17 in handling our disputes with others.
We can also draw some insight from the following commentator regarding the Lord’s knowledge of those who belong to Him…
“False converts lack genuine contrition for sin. They make a profession of faith but are deficient in biblical repentance—’They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate’ (Tit_1:16). A true convert, however, has a knowledge of sin and has godly sorrow, truly repents, and produces the ‘things that accompany salvation’ (Heb_6:9). This is evident by the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of righteousness, etc. However, only God truly knows the genuine from the false.” (1)
Another source offers an equally penetrating observation…
“Some might say, ‘I belong to the Lord, I know I’m His. I am going to heaven. It doesn’t matter so much how I live.’ Yet, such a son has forgotten that there are two inscriptions on the foundation of God. There are two – and those who are His will have the desires and the actions to depart from iniquity.” (2)
(1) The Evidence Bible: Irrefutable Evidence for the Thinking Mind Compiled by Ray Comfort [Comment on 2 Timothy 2:19] Bridge Logos Foundation, 2002
(2) Guzik, Dave, 2 Timothy 2 – Advice To A Young Pastor, 4 (19). The reward of focus: The solid foundation of God. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-timothy-2/