They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.

I am thankful to God, whom I have served with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I remember you in my prayers as I do constantly night and day.

Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group.

However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”