But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Jude v. 20-23
Jude, rendered “Judah” in Hebrew and “Judas” in Greek, was one of four half-brothers of Christ. Jude lived in a time when Christianity was under severe political attack from Rome and aggressive spiritual infiltration of gnostic-like apostates and libertines who sowed seeds of abundant discord through doctrinal error. Apostasy – meaning defection from the true, biblical faith, Jude wrote this short one chapter epistle to urge Christians to contend for the faith. When apostasy arises, when false teachers emerge on the scene, when the truth of God is attacked, it is time to fight for the faith. And only believers who are spiritually “in shape” can answer the call. Every true believer has a sure foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11) and cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20) in Jesus Christ. The truths of the Christian faith have been provided in the teaching of the apostles and prophets, so that Christians can build themselves up by obeying the Word of God. But even in this, without God’s help we can’t do anything that resembles a life of faith that is rooted in the Word and demonstrated with His power. Praying in the Holy Spirit—As we call on the Lord the Holy Spirit brings to God on our behalf divine articulations that cannot be expressed in words, but carry profound appeals for the welfare of every believer (Romans 8:26-27). No words are necessary because the Father understands and agrees with what the Spirit thinks. This is not a call to some ecstatic form of prayer, but simply a call to pray consistently in the will and power of the Holy Spirit, as one would pray anything in the name of Jesus Christ. Keeping yourselves in the love of God— The response of every believer is to be faithfully living out what God is working in (for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure) Philippians 2:13. Although the believer is responsible to work, the Lord actually produces the good works and spiritual fruit in the lives of believers (John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 12:6). And the fruit of the Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22.) It means also of a firm stand in the place of obedience where God’s love is poured out on His children so we will not lose hope (Romans 5:5), as opposed to being disobedient and incurring His chastisement. How can this be you may ask? By looking ahead in anticipation to Christ’s second coming, and to receive our eternal life in Him, in it’s ultimate resurrection form, which is the supreme expression of God’s mercy on one to whom Christ’s righteousness has underservedly been imputed to. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:2-3).
Beloved friend, The time of apostasy is now here, the Church is being inundated with floods of false teachers and their false doctrines, Israel, whom we are told to always keep our eyes on, is in the process of soon to be rebuilding another temple to which they may resume their sacrifices. All these are indications that Christ’s return is near. To know that you can have eternal life in Christ is possible, the Scriptures make this clear, but to remain undecided, or remain in unbelief and try and make it out of this life without God’s offer of forgiveness, is eternal damnation. I leave you with this thought from the end of Jude’s epistle: Glory to God— Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen v.v.24-25
May the Lord bless your walk with Him!
To all of us who happen to pass by this blog either as part of a disciplined devotional life or someone who has honest questions about Jesus or maybe with a cynical outlook towards Jesus and those who call themselves Christians. All our hearts are in plain view to Jesus and the call goes out to all to come to Jesus in truth no matter where we are. Some need to repent for playing games with God and treating the gift of salvation and it’s profound ramifications on your lives with contempt because you think your life is still yours to do with as you wish. Others be assured Jesus is able to deliver on his promises and calls you to surrender all, He can be trusted. Thanks Ron for your labor in the word you are a watchman on the wall and your hands are clean because you deliver what you hear from the word of God!
hi!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more about your post on AOL? I need an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
I think that is one of the so much significant information for me. And i am glad studying your article. But want to remark on some general things, The website style is great, the articles is in point of fact excellent : D. Excellent task, cheers