Calendar

THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (XIII)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22
Jude 17-18
2 Peter 3:1-13
 
“The Lord is not slack
concerning his promise …”
 
THE CHARACTER OF APOSTASY (XIII)
 
There is a note of hope, however, sounded by Jude in the midst of the grim reality he has been emphasizing of the danger facing the church. In verse 17 the theme of “remembrance” (cf. Jude 5) is picked up again ‒ but whereas in verse 5 the “remembrance” was one of alarm, the remembrance in verse 17 is one of assurance.
 
Considering all the examples of apostasy that have been given (the frightening and detailed portrait that has been painted of the apostates and their great wickedness, and the bleak picture that has been drawn of the condition of the church as a whole), one might be tempted to think that the situation has somehow spiralled out of control. Could it be that God’s plan has somehow been thwarted, or that it is being actually threatened? Is it possible that these apostates might really destroy the church?
 
It is to this sort of questioning that Jude gives answer in verses 17 to 18. “Remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time…” In other words, none of this signifies a failure in God’s plan, but all is in fact a fulfilment of His eternal purpose! The same Lord who promised to the Apostle Peter, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18), also promised through the same Apostle, “there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts” (2 Pet 3:3, cf. Jude 18). Likewise the Apostle Paul also predicted, “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Tim 4:1-2).
 
Dear reader, nothing can thwart or even threaten God’s plan. The church may seem to be in a mess, and confusion may appear to reign in so-called Christendom. But God has already told us in His Word that the last days will be a time of great falling away from the faith (cf. 2 Thess 2:3). Let us therefore not despair, but press on in contending for the faith, knowing that God is still on the throne!
 
THOUGHT: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31).
PRAYER: I thank Thee for the patience and comfort of the scriptures.

Search