A Call to Persevere in the Faith

17 But you, beloved, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold, 18 how they said to you, “In the end times there will be scoffers who walk according to their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These people [fn]cause divisions; they are worldly and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 must keep yourselves in the love of God as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 [fn]Have mercy on some, using discernment; 23 [fn]and others save with fear by snatching them out of the fire, hating even the garment that is stained by the flesh.