What does the Bible say about defending faith in Jesus?
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write unto 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 3)
Jude set out to write about salvation but realized his audience was in immediate danger. Their faith was under attack and they had not rallied to its defense. Notice the strong urging to “contend earnestly” or stand up and fight for the faith. Also, do not miss that this faith was delivered “once for all.” It was the finished product whose authenticity must be preserved.
Why didn’t Jude say, “Just give out the Gospel, and don’t argue”?
For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 4)
Faith in Jesus must be defended because evil people have subtly crept into the church and said, “It’s okay to sin,” while denying that Jesus is God. These “certain men” may claim that Jesus was just a good teacher, there are many ways to interpret the Bible, and that we should not feel guilty about doing wrong. Such liberal theology is condemned because it tells mankind there is no need for a Savior. However, God has promised destruction for all who refuse to believe Him.
But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. (Jude 5)
How can one be sure that he will not fall prey to perils of revisionist theologians?
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. (Jude 20-21)
We are to build ourselves up in the faith. This is most readily done by reading the Bible and putting it into everyday practice. We are to pray in the Holy Spirit, live in God’s love, and look for mercy from Jesus. Jude went on to say we are to help others escape from error. (Jude 22-23) Are you able to defend your faith? Can you tell truth from error? Follow Jude’s instructions to protect yourself and others.