It is awfully essential for us to “embrace” the truth we have we had been BLESSED TO RECEIVED, and actively struggle to “keep” that faith which, by our Lord Jesus Christ and His apostles, has been delivered to us! “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH.” Jude 1:3 This is called the common salvation because it EQUALLY BELONGS TO JEW AND GENTILE; it is the saving grace of God WHICH HAS APPEARED TO EVERY MAN, and equally offers TO EVERY HUMAN BEING that redemption which has been provided for the whole world. “For certain individuals have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude 1:4 [Ungodly people make the grace and mercy of God a cover for wrongdoings; suggesting that we might sin safely if we believe the Gospel, because according to the Gospel GRACE ABOUNDS. But perhaps the goodness of God is here meant, for how could someone believe the Gospel IN ANY WAY, WHO DENIED THE LORD JESUS CHRIST; unless, their denial refers to this: that while they accepted Jesus as the promised Messiah, they denied Him as the only LORD, SUPREME, AND RULER OF HIS CHURCH. “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles foretold. They said, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These divide you, who follow natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by BUILDING YOURSELVES UP in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, KEEP YOURSELVES IN GOD’S LOVE.” Jude 1:17-21
BUILD YOURSELVES UP AND KEEP YOURSELVES IN GOD’S LOVE…
-Bill Stockham