Why Contending for the Faith Matters

Jude instructed the believers to 'contend earnestly' for their 'common salvation,' the faith once and for all handed down to the believers (Jude 3). Why did that matter then, and why does it matter today? The main issue for Jude at the time was to guard against heresy and false teaching. His concern was to contend for the purity of doctrine passed on by the apostles in order to protect the church and to empower believers to be able to persevere in their faith without getting sidetracked or deceived. Contending for the apostolic faith guards the purity of the gospel, ensures the protection from heresy, and supports believers in their perseverance in the faith to the end. Contending for the faith matters, here is why.

Introduction

Jude instructed the believers to 'contend earnestly' for their 'common salvation,' the faith once and for all handed down to the believers (Jude 3). It mattered then because of all the heresy that surrounded the early church, and at times infiltrated it, and it matters today for the same reasons. The main issue for Jude at the time was to guard against heresy and false teaching. His concern was to contend for the purity of doctrine passed on by the apostles in order to protect the church and to empower believers to be able to persevere in their faith without getting sidetracked or deceived. The dangers of half-truths and distortions are many, today as it was 2,000 years ago. We need a clear guide of clarity in the midst of the darkness of confusion. The Apostolic Gospel is the foundation of our common salvation. The Canon of Scripture is the measuring stick and framework for theology. Contending for the apostolic faith guards the purity of the gospel, ensures the protection from heresy, and supports believers in their perseverance in the faith to the end.

1 Purity

Jude was a bondservant of Christ (v 1), one who willingly served His Master. His heart was to protect the church of Jesus Christ from 'certain men' who had 'crept in unnoticed' to bring destruction to the believers, that is, 'ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ' (v 4). He therefore wrote to the believers in a dilligent manner in order to exhort them to remain faithful and contend for the apostolic faith (v 3). The beloved believers were to remember 'the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ,' namely, that in the last time or end times mockers would walk according to their own ugodly lusts and cause divisions, people devoid of the Spirit (vv 17-19). The Spirit of God inside genuine ministers would never contradict the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because the same Spirit who inspired the Scriptures reminds of its truth (see John 14:25-26; 16:13-15). The Spirit of God doesn't contradict the Word of God. The true gospel is according to godliness (1 Timothy 6:3), hence, all lawlessness and lewdness is not of God. Jude warned us; Paul warned us; Jesus warned us. We need to heed the warnings and remain in the purity of biblical doctrine.

For Jude, believers need to remain faithful to the apostolic faith and the apostolic teachings (Jude 3; cf., Acts 2:42) and build themselves up on their most holy faith by praying in the Spirit, keeping themselves in the love of God and looking forward to the mercy of Christ at His Return in order to gain eternal life (Jude 20-21). The dangers of heresy and apostasy are real, yet God is able to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless before Him (vv 24-25). We are to help and admonish others, yet be careful not to be dragged into apostasy and heresy (vv 22-23). Jude bases his warnings for believers on biblical history: in the time of Moses, despite the powerful manifestations of God's power and His great deliverance for Israel, some 'did not believe' and it brought about their destruction (v 5). Even some of the angels in heaven who did not keep to their rightful place, as ordained by God, suffered for their rebellion (v 6). So did those in ancient Sodom and Gomorrah who gave themselves to sexual immorality (v 7). Jude compares the heretical 'ungodly men' of his day to those in ancient history: they defiled the flesh (by sexual sin), reject authority (by rebellion) and speak of evil of dignitaries (opposing God's people), such as seen in the attitude and actions of Cain, Balaam and Korah (vv 8, 11). Such sinful attitudes and actions are contrary to godliness and God's truth in Scripture. Believers are to remain faithful to the purity of doctrine. This is the only way to be protected and able to persevere until the end.

Although these 'ungodly men' participated in early church worship, called 'love feasts' (v 12), their eternal destiny is 'the blackness of darkness forever' (v 13). The ancient prophet Enoch spoke of such 'ungodly sinners' and their 'ungodly deeds' and 'ungodly way,' and the judgment of God on all evil (vv 14-15). We are not to be like them, those who serve only themselves (egotism) and delight in complaining, lust and pride (vv 12, 16). Peter, too, like Jude, warned of such scoffers who walk in lust and mock the promises of God (2 Peter 3:1-4). God's patience is a demonstration of His love, not in any way 'evidence' that God's word will fail: judgment in justice will come at the right time, and God will establish a new heavens and new earth where righteouness will dwell (vv 5-13). We are, therefore, to be dilligent as believers, seeking to be at peace with God at all times (v 14), that is, living in harmony with Him and His Word. We are to heed the words of the prophets and apostles (v 2) and not fall away from our steadfastness in the faith into the error of the wicked one (v 17). We do so by growing in the grace of God and the knwoledge of Jesus Christ (v 18). We remain in the purity of the Apostolic faith and biblical teaching. That is where protection and perseverance are to be found.

Peter notes how Paul also wrote of such things (vv 15-16). Yet some twisted his words to their own detriment. Paul made clear that in the last days such scoffers and mockers will arise and how some believers will depart from the faith because of them (1 Timothy 4:1-5). Yet those who are nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine—sound biblical teaching—will be protected and will inherit the promise of life (vv 6-8). In the midst of 'perilous times' with 'imposters and evil men' (2 Timothy 3:1, 13), the only way to be protected and to be able to persevere is to remain in the inspired Scriptures (vv 14-17) and to preach the Word (4:1-2). Despite some people not wanting to hear it, we are to be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of evangelism and fulfil our respective ministries (vv 3-5). Like Paul, we too want to be able to state with confidence:

'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith' (2 Timothy 4:7).

Because of his faithfulness to God and the gospel of grace, Paul inherited the crown of righteousness which the righteous Judge had laid up for him and for all those who love His appearing (v 8). He had fought the good fight of faith (2 Timothy 4:7) he had advocate for (1 Timothy 6:12). True believers are not afraid of God's judgement. Perfect love casts out all such fear (1 John 4:18). God knows His own people: He will preserve them as they live for His glory and no longer for inquity (2 Timothy 2:19). The grace of God is His gift of salvation to us (Ephesians 2:8-9), not a licence to sin (Titus 2:11-14; see A5). God's people will live in the purity of the gospel and do the 'good works' that God has prepared for them (Ephesians 2:10). No one can snatch them from the hand of the Good Shepherd (John 10:27-28). There is protection for those who are faithful to Him. We must contend earnestly for the Gospel so we won't compromise in our own faith and can help others stay faithful to God and the Truth.

2 Protection

Purity of doctrine matters as it protects us from the pollution of heresy and the dangers of apostasy. Contending for the faith is the protection from false teaching. We should know what we believe and why we believe it. We should be able to explain our faith and why it is the truth. That's why studying the Word of God is vital (2 Timothy 2:15). Pure doctrine is based on the gospel and leads to sound doctrine. Unless our doctrine is healthy, our personal faith cannot be healthy. Only the truth sets us free and keeps us from the bondage of sin and heresy (see John 8:31-36). The reason why some will fall away from the faith and people will be condemned at the end-time Judgment of God, is because they didn't embrace the love of the truth (see 2 Thessalonians 2:10) and did not believe in the truth, but instead chose the sinful pleasures of unrighteousness (v 12). The Day of Christ, Judgment Day, will be preceded by the great apostasy and by great lawlessness (vv 1-10) as well as delusion and deception (vv 11-12). Those who are faithful to the call of God and walk in sanctification and faith in the truth as expressed in the gospel are protected and will be saved (vv 13-14). They stand fast and secure in the tradition of the Apostolic Gospel (v 15) and find comfort and hope in the love of God with hearts to serve in word and deed (vv 16-17). The protection from heresy and apostasy is in the faithfulness to the gospel and love for the truth.

Paul wanted the believers not to be deceived (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Neither did Jesus (Matthew 24:4). Paul explained the dangers of heresy and deception leading to apostasy, and so did Jesus. False teachers and apostles will appear as angels of light, but are demonic in spirit and teaching (2 Corinthians 11:1-15). Many false prophets will make false claims (Matthew 24:5). Many worrying events will take place (vv 6-7). Terrible persecution will test the faithfulness of believers (vv 8-9). The current world affairs reflect the words of Jesus, and we are wise to head them (we reject them at our own peril). Those who won't keep a pure heart through forgiveness and sanctification will be offended and will start betraying one another, even with hatred (v 10). The poison of bitterness in the soul of resentful and offended people is dangerous. This paves the way for false prophets to deceive many (v 11) as well as lawlessness to increase (v 12). Offence is the soil where deception and apostasy can grow. If we want to be protected, we must remain pure. The only protection from deception and apostasy is keeping a pure heart, genuine faith and vibrant heart. Unless we forgive, stay faithful to the truth and committed to love, we are in danger of falling away when life becomes tough or painful or ugly. The seeds of heresy and deception flourish in the soil of offence, betrayal and hatred.

Note this:

• The absence of truth leads to lies.

• The absence of honesty leads to deception.

• The absence of loyalty leads to betrayal.

• The absence of love leads to hatred.

At the end of time, there will only be sheep and goats. Now is the time of grace in which we can choose on which side of history and eternity we wish to be. It is important to contend for the true faith in order to be protected from deception and in order to be able to protect others with the truth that sets them free and the love for the truth in faithfulness to the gospel. The blind cannot lead the blind. We can only be a guide to others if we walk in the light of His truth. We must walk in the light as He is in the light. Jesus came as the Light of the world to enlighten us and so that we no longer need to walk in the darkness of sin (John 8:12; 9:5; 1 John 1:5). We are to walk in love and in the light as God's children (Ephesians 5:1-17), filled with His Word and Spirit (vv 18-21). Darkness will cover the face of the earth, but God's people must arise with the light of His glory (Isaiah 60:1-2) and in the power of His Spirit (61:1-3; Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38). We must shine in this world by pointing people to God through good works (Matthew 5:16) and by holding fast the Word of life (Philippians 2:14-16).

Jude called on the believers to contend earnestly for the faith once and for all delivered (Jude 3), that is, the true apostolic faith. As someone said, 'if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.' This is true in som many ways, but especially true when it comes to truth and morality. Some have noticed from history, that what one generation tolerates, the next generation will normalise. Many in the church compromise on biblical morality with dramatic consequences. We must remain faithful to the truth of the gospel. We must continue speaking the truth in love (Ephesiasn 4:15). We don't compromise truth for love, but we reveal God's loving nature through the truth. If the church doesn't stand for the truth of Scripture, who will? If not us, who? If not now, when? The churhc is the pillar of truth (1 Timothy 3:15), the salt and light in the earth (Matthew 5:13-16), poiting the way to God and His salvation through the gospel, which saves from the judgment of God (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). We must preach Christ to enlighten people's hearts with the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:3-6). The church must be a force for good in the world of evil. The church must advocate for love in the midst of hatred; for unity in the midst of division; and for the light in the midst of darkness. If we don't proclaim the gospel, how can people believe and be saved? (see Romans 10:14-17). How can they call on the only Name of the One in whom is salvation? (Acts 4:12). The gospel is the only message of salvation, grace, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation (see Ephesians 1:7, 13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Christians may differ on minor issues (and we should respect one another despite those differences), but the centrality of the gospel in proclamation and ministry must be what unites us in service unto the world.

Paul stood up for the truth of the gospel, even when he had to confront a brother and fellow-apostle (Galatians 2:11ff). He didn't break relationship with Peter, but he wouldn't compromise the truth. As mature believers and ministers,we must always speak the truth with love (Ephesians 4:15). Paul was appointed for the defence of the gospel (Philippians 2:7, 17), and witnessed wherever he had an opportunity, even in prison! As Jude admonished the believers to do, Paul contended for the gospel—and so should we! Paul demonstrated from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God (Acts 9:20; 13:13-52; 17:1-3; 18:5), witnessed before the Roman authorities to the truth of the gospel (13:6-12; 24:1—25:27), and found a way to explain to the Greeks that 'the unknown god' they worshiped was in fact the God he proclaimed (17:22-34).

The way to content for the Gospel matters, too. Paul found different ways to explain the one Message of salvation to the different people he evangelised and taught. We are not to quarrel or fight with people, but seek to serve them with humility, patience and gentleness (see 2 Timothy 2:24-26). We are to win the person, not the argument! Sometimes, people simply don't want to listen; some want to consider what we shared, and perhaps hear more about it at a later stage (Acts 17:32-34). Share it in the right way, at the right time, and in the right dose. Some will oppose the gospel (vv 5-9), others will search the Scriptures to verify the message (vv 10-12). We must always find the right way for the individuals we are seeking to reach with the gospel of the grace of God. Paul was all things to all men in order to reach them. He never compromised the gospel, yet found the right ways to share it in any given situation.

3 Perseverance

We are to persevere in our faith. The gospel is the message by which are saved after receiving it by faith and in which we stand by faith, unless we have believed in vain (1 Corinthians 15:1-2). We are to 'continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel' (Colossians 1:23). The false teachers and their deceptive teaching will mislead many (Matthew 24:3-12) and try to deceive even the elect, God's people (v 24). We are not immune to heretical temptation and need to stand firm in the clarity of pure doctrine and know the doctrinal protection in Scripture in order to persevere until the end (vv 13-14). The dangers of deception is not to be underestimated, as its appearance can be appealing (2 Corinthians 11:1-15). The devil seeks to destroy who ever he may (1 Peter 5:8-11) and hinder or stop believers from their steadfastness in the faith (2 Peter 3:17-18). Be strong in the Word and the Spirit so that you can stand, and stand strong until the end!

One of the key issues Christ addressed in the context of end-time deception by false prophets and heretical teachers is the decay into sin because of lawlessness. The first effects of being deceived into sin are betrayal and hatred (v 10). False prophets and heretical teachers will bring division and destroy relationships. The enmity among human beings because of the curse in the Garden of Eden will flourish in the end times with terrible devastation. Even within families people will rise up against each other (Matthew 10:21). This is not on God; we are to be honourable and guard our relationships. However, false prophets will thrive on lawless disloyalty and bring more deception and division (24:11-12). Lawlessness is the total rejection of any moral norms, values and principles. It is anarchy, everyone doing what is right in their eyes. The horrible consequences of such a state of affairs has been illustrated by the Book of Judges. Human beings need law and order in order to be well, live in peace and prosperous. Anarchy and chaos are destructive. Because lawlessness will increase, Jesus explained, the love of many will grow cold (v 12). Obeying God's law ensures that we won't grow cold and become lawless. God's Law is good and it matters!

When love has faded, betrayal and hatred will fill the vacuum. Love is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40), the fulfilment of the Law (Romans 13:8-10), and the main purpose of the gospel's instruction (1 Timothy 1:5-11); hence, the demonic attack on this central value for truth and human existence is ferocious. There can be no genuine love in lawlessness. Moral anarchy destroys the fundamental value of loving God and your neighbour to everyone's benefit. It is a demonic strategy to destroy families, demolish societies and bring down good cultures based on biblical values. We are to persevere in the truth of the gospel, its mission to all nations, and the commandments of God until the end (Matthew 24:13-14). Shifting away from the main mission and departing from God's main commandment will lead to lawlessness and all its negative and destructive consequences. We cannot persevere to the end if we replace truth with lies, love with hatred and loyalty with betrayal. Abiding in God's Word is the only anti-dote for heresy, deception and apostasy. We must, therefore, contend for the faith to avoid falling into the traps of false teachers and heretical doctrines that lead to lawlessness, deception, apostasy and destruction. Pursue what is good, meditate on what is divine, and live according to what is of God. Don't love the sinful things of this world; seek what is eternal: the will of God (1 John 2:15-17). We must stand firm in the faith and the truth of Scripture.

Conclusion: Why Contending for the Faith Matters

Contending for the apostolic faith matters in order to remain in the purity of biblical doctrine, live within the protection of divine truth and be able to persevere to the end despite the struggles and difficulties of life. Contending for the apostolic faith guards the purity of the gospel, ensures the protection from heresy, and supports believers in their perseverance in the faith to the end. Compromising on biblical truth, Christian morality or spiritual health leads to negative consequences and can lead to deception and apostasy. We are to remain faithful to the apostolic gospel and divine law, or else we might fall into deception and our love for God and people may grow call. This opens the doors to demonic activity with all its dangers. The only protection from this is the purity of biblical doctrine and perseverance in the true apostolic faith once and for all delivered to the believers, as canonised in inspired Scriptures. Remain faithful to God's Word and persevre to the end—the crown of righteousness is laid up for you by God, as you fight the good fight of faith, finish your race and keep the faith!