The Epistle of Barnabas

Let us never rest as though we were ‘called’[*](Apparently a loose expression = confiding in our call.) and slumber in our sins, lest the wicked ruler gain power over us and thrust us out from the Kingdom of the Lord.

And consider this also, my brethren, when you see that after such great signs and wonders were wrought in Israel they were even then finally abandoned;—let us take heed lest as it was written we be found many called but few chosen.

For it was for this reason that the Lord endured[*](The reason for the Passion of Christ) to deliver up his flesh to corruption, that we should be sanctified by the remission of sin, that is, by his sprinkled blood.

For the scripture concerning him relates partly to Israel, partly to us, and it speaks thus: He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities, by his stripes we were healed. He was brought as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb dumb before its shearer.

Therefore we ought to give great thanks to the Lord that he has given us knowledge of the past, and wisdom for the present, and that we are not without understanding for the future.

And the Scripture says, Not unjustly are the nets spread out for the birds. This means that a man deserves to perish who has a knowledge of the way of righteousness, but turns aside into the way of darkness.