“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)
Jude’s warning from our text is a stark reminder that if we are to rightly understand and respond to God’s amazing gift of grace, we must never distort or confuse its primary purpose and intent by using it as an excuse for immorality. This warning is echoed throughout Scripture as well as reiterated by theologians like Jeremiah Burroughs.
Burroughs, in his treatise Gospel Remission, explains the perilous mindset that presumes upon God’s pardon to justify sinful behavior. This is a grievous offense, yet it is sadly prevalent among some who profess faith. Burroughs describes those who, while convinced of their sinfulness, continue in sin with the expectation of God’s future forgiveness. Such individuals, while aware of their wrongdoing, choose to indulge in sin under the false pretense of divine mercy. This attitude, Burroughs asserts, is not only offensive but also deeply damaging to one’s soul.[1]
Just as ungodly individuals infiltrate the community of believers, those who abuse God’s grace also seek to justify their sinful conduct inside the fold of Christianity. However, Burroughs reminds us that true followers of Christ are marked by godliness, and any who persist in unrepentant sin should be confronted and, if necessary, expelled from the fellowship.
Furthermore, those who abuse grace are described by Jude as “ungodly men ordained to condemnation from old.” Their persistent, willful disregard for the sanctity of God’s grace places them under divine judgment. So despite the abundance of mercy offered through Christ, their choice to persist in their ungodliness translates to rejecting the very Lord they claim to serve.
To be labeled as “ungodly” is a severe indictment indeed, signifying a heart hardened to the ways of righteousness. But it aptly describes those who choose to abuse God’s grace for the temporary pleasures of sin. Because despite professing faith in Him, their actions betray their allegiance. By persisting in sin under the guise of divine pardon, they effectively reject the authority and lordship of Christ over their lives.
It is imperative, therefore, that we heed Jude’s warning against abusing grace. We should consider the state of our hearts before God, and rather than presuming upon His mercy as a license for sin, we should allow His grace to lead us to repentance and transformation.
Contemplations:
- The Peril of Presumptuous Sin: Reflecting on Jude’s warning against presumptuous sin, I am reminded of the grave consequences of taking Your grace for granted, Lord. May I never presume upon it as a safety net for sinful pursuits but rather allow such abundant grace to lead me to repentance. Help me fully examine my heart and motives, so that I do not fall into the trap of abusing Your mercy for my own ends.
- The Integrity of the Church: Considering the reality that ungodly individuals will always find their way into the church, I am reminded of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the body of believers. Just as we need to emphasize godliness among members, we are also challenged to uphold standards of holiness and accountability within our Christian communities. As believers, we therefore need spiritual discernment and vigilance in order to maintain the purity of our fellowship.
- The True Nature of God’s Grace: When I think about the true nature of Your grace, Lord, I am reminded of its purpose and significance in redemption and sanctification. Rather than presuming upon such a gift as a license for sin, I realize its transformative power in leading me in the path of righteousness. I want to honor and treasure Your grace as a means to greater spiritual growth and conformity to the image of Christ and never look at it as an excuse to indulge in sinful behaviors.
- The Call to Genuine Repentance: In light of the biblical admonition against abusing grace, I am moved to humbly acknowledge my sinfulness and turn toward You in true contrition. Help me, Lord, to honestly examine my attitude toward sin and repentance, so that I am coming to You in sincerity and true biblical humility, seeking Your forgiveness and restoration.
Further References for Jude 1:4:
2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 2:22; 2 Tim. 3:6; Titus 1:16.
[1] Jeremiah Burroughs, Gospel Remission, (London: Printed for Dor. Newman and are to be sold at his shop .., 1668), 107–115.
