Flawed Truths

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3

Although Jude eagerly planned to write to fellow believers about God’s saving grace they shared, he found it needful to urge them on the matter of defending the faith. The reason for his urgency? Wicked men pretending to be religious had infiltrated God’s Church, creeping in unawares, bringing with them error-filled truths—false doctrines (v. 4). Jude urged his readers to stand fast, prepared to face and oppose by arguments and reasoning the lies against God’s truth.

Jude’s message is for us today. Deceivers’ lies that hinder believers, turn them away from the truth, or keep the lost from surrendering to Christ’s rule are powerful, originating from the highest to the humblest places in our society. Yet Paul warns us we are not to disrespect people God ordains to positions of authority (Romans 13:1–2). Peter said there would be false prophets and teachers among us, even denying the Lord who bought them (2 Peter 2:1).

We must stay geared up and ready at all times to speak and live God’s truth, refuting the deceivers’ lies brought into God’s Church, our homes, schools, and workplaces. But to “earnestly contend for the faith”—God’s message of salvation that will never change—we must know God’s Word to live a steady life grounded in truth. Are you prepared to stand in faith’s defense?