FRIDAY, MARCH 31
Jude 1:1-4
2 Peter 1:10

"… brethren, give diligence to make
your calling and election sure..."

ANTIDOTE TO APOSTASY

Jude’s original intention was to write to his beloved brethren concerning the common salvation, i.e. the doctrine of salvation. As the context of Jude’s letter suggests, there were many who distorted the gospel of salvation, departing from what was proclaimed unto them. The word "diligence" is not just for the sake of writing a quick letter, but suggests a serious reason behind the underlying urgency. This shows how Jude was so alarmed by the situation that he was pressed to write the soonest he could.

Nevertheless, his great desire was overshadowed by the greater need to exhort the believers. God moved Jude to write that which was more needful. What he needed to write was an exhortation to the Christians to contend for that whole body of doctrine of the Scriptures, "the faith" once delivered unto the saints.

To exhort has an element of pleading with them and an aspect of assurance with clear directives regarding the faith. Jude did not disregard the doctrine of salvation but he now covers the totality of God’s revelation which was under heavy attack. He knew that there was more than perversion of the gospel, for the leaven of false teachings had also tried to overthrow the entire Holy Scriptures. He wanted to clarify not only about how a person can be saved, but how Christians should live according to "all things whatsoever" God has commanded us to do. To "earnestly contend" is to make a strenuous effort on behalf of, or a struggle for the defence of God’s Word. In simple words, Jude encouraged them to fight for the faith, i.e. to defend the perfectly inspired and preserved Word of God to the jot and tittle, not only from corruption but also from those who want to replace it as the supreme authority of our faith and practice. The one and only antidote to apostasy is the Word of God. Love it, read it, study it, and obey it!

THOUGHT: Do I love the Word of God?
PRAYER: "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Ps 119:97).