This is the first of several warnings, combined with admonitions, that occur throughout the epistle (see also 3:7–4:16; 5:11–6:20; 10:19–39; 12:18–29). It is also the first negative note that the writer has sounded in relation to his readers. It is clear, however, that he sees real danger lying before them, but he certainly does not see their position as hopeless. None of them have yet committed apostasy, but if they keep on in the direction that at least some of them are going, the consequences
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