through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;
In other passages the context points to non-Christian apostates (Luke 13:27; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:11). In still other passages either or both may be in view; we do not have sufficient information in the context to say (2 Thessalonians 2:3; cf. Titus 1:14). It seems quite clear that Christians can stop believing God (Matthew 10:33; Mark 8:32; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 3:8). [Note: See TDNT, s.v. "aphistemi, apostasia, dichostasia," by Heinrich Schlier, 1 (1964):512-13.] This does not mean, however, that they will lose their salvation since salvation is God’s work, not ours (John 10:28; Romans 8:31-39; 2 Timothy 2:13). One of my professors at Dallas Seminary used to say, correctly, I think, "I believe in the perseverance of the Savior, but I do not believe in the perseverance of the saints." [Note: S. Lewis Johnson Jr.] 