Shepherd of Hermas 14

1“Do you want to know about those who are being cut down and thrown far from the tower? These are the sons of lawlessness; they believed in hypocrisy, and no wickedness departed from them. For this reason they have no salvation, because they are not fit for the building on account of their wicked deeds. Therefore they were cut down and thrown far away because of the anger of the Lord, because they provoked him.

22. “And the others you saw—many lying there, not going into the building—these are the scabby ones: they came to know the truth, but did not remain in it, nor did they join themselves to the saints; therefore they are useless.

33. “And those that have cracks—who are they? These are the ones who harbor things against one another in their hearts and are not at peace among themselves, but have a face of peace; yet when they depart from one another, their evils remain in their hearts. These, then, are the cracks that the stones have.

44. “And the mutilated ones—these are those who have believed and have the greater part in righteousness, but have certain parts of lawlessness. For this reason they are mutilated and not whole.

55. “And the white and round ones that do not fit into the building—who are they, Lady?” She answered me, saying, “How long will you be foolish and without understanding, asking about everything and understanding nothing? These are those who have faith, but also have the wealth of this age. When affliction comes, because of their wealth and their business dealings they deny their Lord.”

66. And I answered her, “Lady, when then will they become fit for the building?” She said, “When their wealth that ensnares them has been cut away, then they will be useful to God. For just as a round stone, unless it is cut and casts off something from itself, cannot become square, so also those who are rich in this age, unless their wealth is cut away, cannot become useful to the Lord.

77. “Learn first from yourself: when you were rich, you were useless; but now you are useful and beneficial for life. Become useful to God; for you yourself also are used from the same stones.”