(KJV) Jude 1:3
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
THE FAITH … ENTRUSTED TO THE SAINTS / JUDE 1:3
Those who have devoted themselves to Christ and are determined to remain faithful to Him are under the solemn obligation to “contend for the faith” that God has entrusted to all of Christ’s faithful followers through the message we now have in His written Word (Philippians 1:27; 1 Timothy 1:18-19; 6:12).
- “The faith” consists of the gospel – the “good news” of forgiveness and eternal life – proclaimed by Christ and the apostles (those personally authorized and sent by Christ to deliver His original Message and establish the New Testament church). It is the fixed and unchangeable truth, given by the Holy Spirit and embodied in the New Testament. However, “the faith” is more than objective truth (based on a reliable standard outside of any individual – on God Himself). It is also a way of life to be practiced in love and purity (Colossians 1:9-11: 1 Timothy 1:5). It stands for a kingdom that comes in power to baptize (immerse, empower) all true believers in the Holy Spirit so that they may proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to all nations (Mark 16:15-17: 1Thessalonians 1:5) with signs and miracles and gifts of the Spirit (Acts 2:22; 14:3; Romans 15:19; Hebrews 2:4).
- The word “contend” (Greek epagonizomai) describes the battle that faithful believers must fight in the defense of the Christian faith. It means literally to “struggle,” “suffer,” “be under great pressure” or “fight a fight.” We must be passionate, earnest and spiritually determined as we rely completely on the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit to help us defend and stand firm for the truth of God’s Word – even though the struggle may be costly and agonizing. We must deny ourselves (Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) and if need be, accept martyrdom (death for our faith and cause) for the sake of Christ’s message (2 Timothy 4:7).
- Contending for the faith means (a) taking a direct stand against those within the church who deny the Bible’s authority or change the original message of truth as presented by Christ and those He personally authorized to deliver His message as we now have it in God’s written Word – the Bible and (b) proclaiming that message to all people as the truth that can restore them to a right relationship with God (John 5:47). Those who claim loyalty to Christ and the full New Testament faith must never allow its message to be weakened or watered down by compromising its authority, changing its truth or explaining away its power and promises.
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Margarita & Stace
Summary
Article Name
THE FAITH ... ENTRUSTED TO THE SAINTS / JUDE 1:3
Description
Those who have devoted themselves to Christ and are determined to remain faithful to Him are under the solemn obligation to “contend for the faith” that God has entrusted to all of Christ’s faithful followers through the message we now have in His written Word (Philippians 1:27; 1 Timothy 1:18-19; 6:12).
Author
Margarita Crews
Publisher Name
Guided By Grace
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