"Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints ..." (Jude 1:3)
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (II Timothy 3:1-7)
Continuing with a similar theme in the last post, it is important to note that the Lord Jesus warned us of the last days, and what these would be like. Believers in the Lord Jesus by faith have been adequately warned of the signs that would exist in the last days so that we would not be ignorant. The Word tells us that there would be those who would resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. (II Timothy 3:8) During this time, evil men and seducers would wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived, and that deception will begin from those teaching and preaching another gospel.
"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:4)
What did apostle Paul say about those who preach another gospel than the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ that was paid for in blood? The scriptures state -- "Let him be accursed!" (Galatians 1:8-9) Not just once but Paul scribed this message twice so that those who taught another gospel would know the consequence.
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)
"Therefore, as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was." (II Timothy 3:9)
This gospel includes the message delivered by Peter standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost, which marks the beginning of the New Testament covenant, wherein we are told this same Jesus who was crucified is both Lord and Christ. Wherein we are to repent, and to be water baptized in the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost in our hearts. (Acts 2:36-47)
And because we have been clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, having been buried with Him in death and in the resurrection, we can stand fast in the liberty which is Christ. (Galatians 5:1) It is time for believers to follow the instructions in His Word and not to be entangled again in the yoke of bondage. We should not be subscribing to the evil constructs of this world, but in this time, looking toward heaven, for our salvation draws nigh.
Read Matthew 24 for the clarity Jesus offers.
But also pay attention to the message of the apostles who walked with Jesus day in and day out because what is missed from those who would present another gospel is salvation according to Acts 2:38. Likewise, these will not tell you that believers are to remain faithful and steadfast in the apostolic doctrine. And to continue in the things which thou has learned and hast been assured of, living godly in Christ Jesus -- even when it means suffering persecution. (II Timothy 3:10-12)
To continue in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Why is this important? Because all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Moreover, "beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit .... but ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
"And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." (Jude 1:22-23)
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (Jude 1:24-25)
Stand in the offering plate.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
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