Faith without religion.
Warnings and Consequences in Jude
In a recent teaching, we delved into the second part of the book of Jude, focusing on verses 4 through 8. Jude warns of certain individuals who have stealthily infiltrated the community, turning the grace of God into a license for immorality and denying the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. These individuals, Jude suggests, were prophesied in earlier writings, not as a result of predestination, but as a fulfillment of warnings given long ago.
Jude draws parallels between these false teachers and historical examples of rebellion against God. He references the Israelites who, despite being saved from Egypt, were destroyed for their unbelief. He also mentions angels who abandoned their heavenly positions and were consequently bound in darkness until judgment. Lastly, he cites the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which suffered destruction due to their indulgence in unnatural desires.
These examples serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s truth. Jude describes the false teachers as “dreamers” who defile the flesh, reject authority, and slander celestial beings. Their actions mirror the rebelliousness of those historical examples, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and adhering to the teachings of Christ.
The teaching concludes with a call to learn from these past examples and to continue in faith, underscoring the timeless principle that salvation requires ongoing belief and adherence to God’s word. As we reflect on these lessons, we are reminded of the importance of vigilance in our spiritual journey, ensuring that we do not fall into the same traps as those who came before us.