Be
merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to
show others mercy, mixed with fear – hating even the clothing stained by
corrupted flesh. (Jude
22,23)
Although
his audience is not identified, these friends are dear to Jude, the half-brother
of Jesus. He exhorts them to contend for
the faith (v. 3) and not fall prey to those who deny Christ and persuade
others to deny him too.
Jude
says these apostates have infiltrated the church and use God’s grace as an
excuse for immorality. Not content with satisfying their own lust, they draw
others into their web of sexual depravity. He compares them to three earlier apostates.
Cain was jealous of Abel’s acceptance by the Lord; Balaam enticed the
Israelites into sexual immorality; and Korah urged others to join him in his
rebellion against Moses. Likewise these traitors against God will be destroyed
as are all God’s enemies.
But
Jude differentiates between instigators and those who are led astray because
their faith is weak. These they are urged to rescue if they can (vv. 22,23).
He
closes with one of the most beautiful doxologies in the New Testament: To him who is able to keep you from
stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and
great joy – the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen (vv.
24,25).
How
do you protect yourself against ungodly influences?
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