Epistle of Barnabas 4

1Therefore, we ought to investigate the present deeply and search out the things that have power to save us. Let us flee completely from all the works of lawlessness, so that the works of lawlessness do not overpower us. Let us hate the error of the present age, so that we may be loved for what is to come. Let us give our soul no relief that would allow it to associate with sinners and wicked people, so that we are not made like them. The last offense is at hand, concerning which Scripture speaks, as Enoch says. For this reason the Master has shortened the seasons and the days, so that his beloved may hasten and come to His inheritance. The prophet also speaks in this way: “Ten reigns shall reign upon the earth, and after them another king will arise, who will bring three of the kings low under one.” In the same way Daniel speaks concerning the same thing: “I saw the fourth beast, wicked and strong and more unmanageable than all the beasts of the earth. I saw ten horns arise from it, and from these a little horn, an outgrowth, and I saw how it brought three of the great horns low under one.” Therefore, you ought to understand. Moreover, I ask you this one thing as one of you, loving each of you more than my own soul: pay attention to yourselves now, and do not become like certain people who pile sin upon sin, saying that our covenant also remains theirs. It is ours, but they lost it forever in this way, just after Moses had received it. For Scripture says: “Moses was on the mountain, fasting for forty days and forty nights, and he received the covenant from the Lord—tablets of stone written by the finger of the Lord’s hand.” But they lost it by turning to idols. For the Lord says: “Moses, Moses, come down quickly, for your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt, have acted lawlessly.” Moses understood and threw the two tablets from his hands. Their covenant was shattered, so that the covenant of the beloved Jesus might be sealed upon our hearts in the hope that springs from faith in him. Although I would gladly write many things—not as a teacher, but as is fitting for one who loves you, so that you may not fall short of what we possess—I was eager to write to you, since I am your devoted servant. Therefore, let us be watchful in these last days. For the whole time of our faith will benefit us nothing unless now, in the season of lawlessness and amid the offenses that are to come, we resist as is fitting for God’s sons, so that the Black One may not gain an entrance. Let us flee from all vanity. Let us completely hate the works of the evil way. Do not, entering in privately, stand apart by yourselves, as though you were already justified, but gather together and consult about the common good. For Scripture says: “Woe to those who are wise for themselves and understanding in their own sight.” Let us become spiritual. Let us become a temple made perfect for God. As far as it lies within us, let us train ourselves in the fear of God, [and] let us strive to keep his commandments, so that we may rejoice in his ordinances. The Lord judges the world without partiality. Each person will receive according to his deeds. If someone is good, his righteousness will go before him on the way. If someone is evil, the repayment for his evildoing is before him, so that perhaps, if we relax as people who are called, we may fall asleep over our sins, and the prince of evil may gain power against us and thrust us out of the Lord’s kingdom. Moreover, understand this also, my brothers. When you see that, even after so many signs and wonders were performed in Israel, they were still abandoned, let us pay attention, so that perhaps we are not found to be, as Scripture says, “Many are called, but few are chosen.”