Day 359

Opposing Heresy

Read: Jude

Jude was probably another half brother of Jesus like James. The similarity between this book and part of 2 Peter indicates that Peter had Jude’s work or the other way around. Both share a concern about heresy, which leads to immoral living. When people have the wrong doctrine, they live the wrong way. Having rejected the God of the Ten Commandments, people today wallow in all kinds of unethical and immoral behavior.

In the midst of a world of people “following their own ungodly passions” (v. 18), Jude urges Christians to “build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God” (vv. 20-21a). The best safeguard against the evil around us is to constantly nurture our faith. The stronger we grow in the Lord, the more protection we have against falling into the sin so prevalent.

This little book closes with one of the most beautiful benedictions found in the Bible: “Now to him who is able to keep you from falling” (v. 24). In the Reformed faith, we speak of both the preservation of the saints and the perseverance of the saints. On the one hand, we must persevere, we must remain faithful year after year, and we must guard against sin. On the other hand, God will keep us in the hollow of his hand so that, with such protection, the evil one cannot take away our salvation.

PRAYER
Father, in the midst of a world of sin, give us grace to live holy lives as we feed on your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.