John Calvin Commentary 2 Timothy 2:12

"if we endure, we shall also reign with him: if we shall deny him, he also will deny us:" — 2 Timothy 2:12 (ASV)

If we deny him, he will also deny us. A threat is also added to shake off sloth, for he threatens that those who, through the dread of persecution, abandon the confession of his name, have no share with Christ.

How unreasonable it is that we should esteem the transitory life of this world more highly than the holy and sacred name of the Son of God! And why should he count among his people those who treacherously reject him?

Here the excuse of weakness is of no value. For if people did not willingly deceive themselves with vain flatteries, they would constantly resist, being endowed with the spirit of strength and courage.

Their base denial of Christ proceeds not only from weakness but also from unbelief, because, as a result of being blinded by the allurement of the world, they do not perceive at all the life that is in the kingdom of God.

But this doctrine needs to be meditated on more than explained, for the words of Christ are perfectly clear:

“Whoever shall deny me, him will I also deny” (Matthew 10:33).

It remains that everyone consider that this is no childish terror, but the judge seriously pronounces what will be found true at the appointed time.