“…keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”
(Jude 1:21)
Apostasy – a defection or departure from the faith once embraced – is a very real and serious threat to the spiritual health and effectiveness of the body of Christ. Paul’s letters to the Christians at Corinth and Galatia, as well as those to Timothy and Titus, contain multiple warnings against it. In addition, the epistles of both John and Jude warn the early believers against this “falling away” from the faith.
John Owen in his treatise on The Nature and Causes of Apostasy from the Gospel states: “Satan is ever at work attempting to lead Christians into apostasy. He blinds their minds, inflames their lusts, pours out his temptations, involves them in false and corrupt reasonings, transforms himself into an angel of light, and uses signs and lying wonders, all to support his delusions. Satan never tires; he never goes on holiday.”
So how do we believers combat this threat of apostasy? We do so by earnestly “contending for the faith,” (Jude 1:3). We must be persuaded that the Gospel of God that has been entrusted to us is worth fighting for. We occupy enemy territory. We are fighting to defend God’s truth and righteousness and for the furtherance of His kingdom.
To that end, Jude encourages those who are contending to “keep yourselves in the love of God.” This directive to Christians is extremely useful in preserving the faith and preventing apostasy. But what does it mean to “keep yourselves in the love of God?”
One aspect of this keeping involves walking in a way pleasing to God. Psalm 1 tells us plainly how we are to live if we want to keep ourselves in the love, favor, and grace of our Father: “Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in His Law he meditates day and night…” To keep ourselves in the love of God, we must find delight in His Word and not in the world.
To “keep ourselves in the love of God,” also means that our love for God is always increasing. Seek to love Him more today than you did yesterday. A fervent, burning desire for God and a worshipful love and adoration of Christ will preserve your soul against any defection from Him and His truth. This is what allowed Paul to keep the faith – “the love of Christ constrains me,” (2 Cor. 5:14).
Finally, to “keep ourselves in the love of God,” also incorporates a love for the brethren, inasmuch as God tells us to love one another, even as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. So, if you desire to keep yourself in the love of God, see that you sincerely love those He loves.
The truth is that God is more than able to keep us from falling into apostasy, as long as we see that we keep ourselves in His love.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you without blemish before the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God . . . be glory,” (Jude 1:24).
- Though the world, the flesh or the devil comes against me, I will hope in Your mercy and look to the Christ who saves me. Keep me strong in the faith and do not allow me to fall away, Lord, but rather help me hold steadfast always to Your truth.
- You are love, O Lord. Your love and grace exhibited in and through Christ is the same love that You communicate to Your saints. It is the same love that is “shed abroad in our hearts” if we know You as Lord and Savior. Your Son’s love is written in blood, and His grace is stamped on every line and blessing of His wonderous Gospel. Keep me in that love.
- Most holy Lord, I praise You for the marvelous light of Your gospel. I praise You for mercy. I praise You for those wonders of a new creation which your blessed Spirit has begun in my heart. Prepare my heart for eternity day by day as I learn to love You, obey You, live for You, worship and adore You, my blessed God and Father.
Further References for Jude 1:21
Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; 2 Peter 3:12; 2 Thess. 3:5; Rom 5:5; 2 Cor. 13:14
