“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.”
(Jude 1:6)
This passage in Jude is a sober example of what can happen if we do not persevere in the faith. Because even angels, who were created holy and placed in a state of honor, “left their proper habitation.” And for their great sin they are reserved in everlasting chains under darkness until their final judgment. This example is given not to just inform us about angels, but to warn us about ourselves. If such a fall happened among angels, then we must take heed lest we also fall through unbelief, carelessness, and sin.
Scripture teaches plainly that perseverance is necessary. The Apostle says that we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end (Hebrews 3:14). Thus, eternal life is promised to those who not only begin well, but to those who continue in a steady course of faith and obedience.
Many begin the Christian life with enthusiasm, but do not continue. Some receive the Word with joy for a time, but fall away in temptation. Others make a profession of faith, but later return to the world. These examples warn us that beginning is not enough; we must continue steadfast in the doctrine of Christ, the foundation of our faith.
This warning is also given to urge God’s people to watchfulness, humility, and continual dependence upon Him. Our hearts are deceitful and the world is full of temptation. And if we grow careless, proud, or worldly, we are apt to fall, dishonoring the name of Christ.
Indeed, Scripture speaks strongly about those who, after knowing the truth, return to a course of wickedness. It says that their latter end is worse than their beginning (2 Peter 2:20) because they sin against greater light and greater knowledge.
Thus, the Christian life must be a life of watchfulness and prayer. We must have our loins girded and our lights burning, and be ready at all times, because we do not know when Christ will return.[1] And we must ask God to keep us, preserve us, and give us strength to endure. For the same God who warns us to persevere also promises to preserve His people.
Contemplations:
- I confess my carelessness. Lord, I confess that I am often careless in my spiritual life. I do not watch as I should, I do not pray as I should, and I do not guard my heart as I should. Forgive me for my spiritual carelessness and awaken me to greater watchfulness.
- I confess my weakness. Father, I am weak and unable to stand in my own strength. If You were to leave me to myself, I would fall. I ask You now to be my strength and my keeper.
- I confess my love for the world. Lord, I confess that my heart is often drawn toward the world and its cares. Forgive me for loving things that do not last and for neglecting the things that are eternal.
- I confess my need for Your preserving grace. Father, I confess that I need Your grace not only to begin the Christian life, but to continue and to finish it. Keep me by Your power and do not let me fall away.
Prayer (Confession)
Holy and righteous God, I am a weak and sinful creature who cannot stand without Your grace. When I consider the warnings of Scripture about falling away, I see how great my danger would be if I were left to myself.
I confess that I am often careless in my spiritual life. I do not watch as I should, I do not pray as I should, and I do not guard my heart as I should. I am often distracted by the cares of this life, and I allow my heart to grow cold toward You.
I confess that I am unable to persevere in my own strength. If You were to leave me to myself, I would fall into sin and wander away from You. Therefore, I ask for Your preserving grace.
I confess that I sometimes love the world more than I should, fear men more than I should, and care for my comfort more than I should. Forgive me for these sins and turn my heart back to You.
Lord, keep me faithful to the end. Keep my heart from wandering, keep my faith from failing and my life from dishonoring Your name. Make me watchful, prayerful, humble, and obedient.
Do not let me fall away, Lord, but hold me by Your power and bring me safely to the end of my life in faith and obedience.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References Jude 1:6:
2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 20:10; Matthew 8:29; John 8:44
[1] Samuel Clarke, Three Practical Essays, (London: Printed for James Knapton .., 1699), 152–156.
