82
A warning from Jude concerning the perversion of grace. An element of religious humanity which ever so slyly and secretly finds it’s way into the circle of faith. These are men who put on a religious front but inwardly their motive is to twist the truth of the word of the Lord in order for them to practice their sinful ways. Jude 4 The Lord is just, merciful and full of compassion and grace. However, He is also justice and the judge before whom all will have to give account of the deeds done in the flesh. Rom. 14:12.
Jude gave some very striking, and well known examples of those who at one time were involved with His chosen but in the end did not enter into the promises. He first takes us back to the deliverance of the children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. All who were desirous of freedom and liberty were delivered. Not all of them were going to continue in faith. He mentions in particular that the unbelieving element was destroyed and not permitted to enter into the promised land. Jude 5 Their judgment was based on ten incidents where it was evident that a spirit of rebellion and unbelief was manifest by them. Num. 14:22-23.
Jude reminds us that angels, created beings, for whom there is no salvation or possibility of redemption once they have sinned, are now bound in chains of darkness awaiting the day of judgment. Jude 6 In His creation, the Lord placed the greater value on mankind, seeing as he has provided a means of salvation for them. That should say something to us concerning angels. They are like us, they have a weakness and can fall, or sin. It is far better to place our trust in the Lord Jesus than in angels. Once they have fallen, the Lord places no value on them for there is no possibility of their returning into His good grace. 2 Pet. 2:4.
Jude, with just a few words expressed the spirit of the age in which we are living in. Unless a strong tie is maintained with the Lord Jesus it is possible to be swept off of our feet into the flow of the pollution of the period of time in which we live. Standards of righteousness are being eroded every where. Humanity is demonstrating its ability to think and dream creative works of evil. The New Man will be tested to the extreme, but will prevail and overcome. Those who maintain the standards of the Word will triumph. Rom. 8:37.