The book of Jude is a powerful and urgent letter that calls us to stand firm in our faith, to be aware of those who distort God’s truth, and to rely fully on God’s grace and mercy. Though short, this letter is packed with warnings, encouragements, and reminders of God’s justice and faithfulness. It was written by Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, and was intended to encourage believers to contend for the faith in the face of false teachers and corruption.
Jude begins by addressing those who are “called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.” These words remind us that we are not alone in our faith—we have been chosen by God, loved deeply, and preserved in Christ. No matter what challenges we face, we can rest in the assurance that God is keeping us secure. Jude prays that mercy, peace, and love will be multiplied to us, emphasizing the abundant grace that God pours out on His people.
Initially, Jude wanted to write about our common salvation, to share in the joy and assurance we have in Christ. However, he felt compelled to shift his focus to a more urgent matter: warning us about the need to contend for the faith. The word “contend” suggests a battle, an active struggle to protect and uphold the truth of the gospel. This tells us that faith is not something passive; we must be vigilant, standing firm against anything that seeks to corrupt or distort what God has given us.
Jude warns that certain people have crept into the church unnoticed—ungodly individuals who twist God’s grace into a license for immorality and deny Jesus as Lord. This is a serious warning for us to be discerning and not to be naive about the reality of deception. Just because someone claims to follow Christ does not mean they are truly living according to His ways. These false teachers are dangerous because they undermine faith, leading others into sin and rebellion against God.
To illustrate the certainty of God’s judgment against such corruption, Jude points to examples from history. He reminds us of how God saved His people out of Egypt but later destroyed those who did not believe. This shows us that deliverance does not automatically mean salvation if faith is abandoned. Jude also references the fallen angels who left their proper place, now bound in darkness for judgment. Their fate serves as a reminder that rebellion against God leads to destruction. He then brings up Sodom and Gomorrah, cities that indulged in sexual immorality and unnatural desires, ultimately suffering the punishment of eternal fire. These examples demonstrate that God’s justice is sure, and we must not take His warnings lightly.
Jude then describes how these false teachers operate. They reject authority, defile the flesh, and slander what they do not understand. They follow the path of Cain, Balaam, and Korah—figures in Scripture known for jealousy, greed, and rebellion. These individuals are not just mistaken; they actively lead others astray for personal gain. Jude uses vivid imagery to describe them: they are like hidden reefs that cause shipwrecks, clouds without water that offer no nourishment, and wandering stars destined for darkness. This language makes it clear that they are dangerous and without true substance, leading only to destruction.
Jude then reminds us that Enoch, long before, prophesied about God’s coming judgment on the ungodly. This shows us that the battle against wickedness has been ongoing for a long time, but God’s justice will prevail. He describes these false teachers as grumblers, complainers, and selfish individuals who manipulate others for their own benefit. These characteristics are signs that we must be aware of, ensuring that we do not fall under their influence.
Despite all these warnings, Jude does not leave us in fear. Instead, he turns to encouragement, reminding us how to remain strong. He urges us to remember the words of the apostles, who warned that scoffers would come in the last days, following their own ungodly desires. But we are not to be like them. Instead, we are called to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, to pray in the Holy Spirit, and to keep ourselves in God’s love as we wait for the mercy of Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
Jude also instructs us on how to respond to those who are struggling. We are to show mercy to those who doubt, helping them find their way back to the truth. Some must be saved by pulling them out of the fire, while others should be treated with caution, hating even the garment stained by sin. This balance of mercy and discernment is important—we are called to love, but also to be careful not to fall into deception ourselves.
The letter ends with a beautiful doxology, one of the most powerful statements of praise in the New Testament. Jude reminds us that it is God who keeps us from stumbling and presents us blameless before His glory with great joy. He alone is our Savior, and He is worthy of all glory, majesty, power, and authority, both now and forever. This closing reminds us that even in the face of challenges, God is the one who sustains us. Our faith is secure in Him, and He is able to bring us through whatever trials we face.
Jude’s message is one that remains relevant to us today. We are called to be vigilant in our faith, to be aware of those who would corrupt God’s truth, and to remain rooted in His love and mercy. At the same time, we must not respond with fear but with confidence in God’s justice and the assurance that He is with us. As we build ourselves up in faith and extend mercy to others, we take part in the ongoing work of God’s kingdom. Through it all, we can trust that God is the one who holds us firm, guiding us safely into His eternal presence.