Contend for the Faith!!

I would like to recommend to you the following newsletter posted by Dr. Peter Jones.

truthXchange Articles > 55: Evangelism Highjacked by Closet Theological Liberals

As I read Dr. Jones words, I rehearsed my opinion of the issues and was drawn to the Scriptures, particularly the Epistle of Jude.

(Jude 1:3 NKJV) Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
(Jude 1:20-25 NKJV) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

As a member of the laity I want to be aware of my responsibilities when apostasy arises in the church. I believe Jude sets out excellent guidelines.

What should I do?
“Contend earnestly for the faith”. Jude denounces the false teachers and teachings afflicting the church. These afflictions were speaking evils against the glories of God, despising dominion or lordship and being against what God made in creation. Because of these issues and other serious issues (such as are described in Dr. Jones article) I am to ‘contend for the faith.” and continually.

How shall I prepare or remain ready to continually contend?
Jude exhorts; continue to build myself in the faith by praying in the Holy Spirit and I am commanded to keep myself in God’s love and continue to admit the mercies of eternal life. (20-21).

How shall I treat these impious men or women?
Compassion and pity to those wavering, try to save those who can still be saved and to those who cannot be saved, deny. (22-23)

Jude renders a blessing: Christ will guard me against stumbling and present me unblemished with exaltation to God our Savior.

The value in the ministry of Dr. Peter Jones is to present the issues and the Scriptures my duty in keeping the original doctrine of Christianity free from the errors of apostasy. Over the years apostasy has been presented in different ways and different guises and the defense of our faith remains with each of us. Jude gives us a working hope and process to contend earnestly.

“We are called upon by the Lord to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). That does not necessarily involve being contentious; but it involves avoiding compromise, standing forth for what we believe, stand­ing forth for the truth of God—without welching at any particular moment.”
Roger Nicole

Eutychus