“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)
The angels mentioned by Jude in this solemn passage were created holy, placed in a position of honor, and lived continually in the presence of God. And yet, they did not “keep their first estate.” They chose, instead, to rebel against God, and are now reserved in everlasting chains under darkness waiting for the judgment of the great day.
Their captivity in chains and darkness clearly demonstrates for us that the danger of sinning against light and privilege is real. These angels did not fall because they lacked knowledge, but because they would not remain in obedience. They abandoned the place and condition God had appointed for them. And for this they are reserved for judgment.
Scripture gives similar warnings to men. There are those who escape the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of Christ, and yet return again to sin. There are those who know the way of righteousness, and yet turn from it. There are those who receive much light, many warnings and convictions, and yet return again to a course of sin. These warnings are given to show how dangerous it is to turn back after knowing the truth.[1]
This does not mean that every believer who sins is lost, for all believers sin and must repent daily. But it does mean that to return to a course of sin, to live in known sin, to turn away from obedience after receiving knowledge of the truth, is a very dangerous condition. It hardens the heart, dulls the conscience, and makes repentance more difficult.
The example of Esau is given in Scripture. He sold his birthright for a small pleasure, and afterward he sought the blessing with tears but found no place of repentance. He could not undo what he had done. He could not reverse the consequences of his sin, teaching us the danger of trading spiritual blessings for temporary pleasures.
For these reasons, Scripture tells us to watch, to be ready, to keep our lamps burning, and to be prepared for the coming of Christ. For the Christian life is a watchful life. It is a life of repentance, faith, and perseverance. Still we are often careless, often slow to watch, often too willing to play with sin and too confident in ourselves. Therefore, we must experience God’s grace to not only receive Christ in faith, but to continue in Him.
So let us be careful to fear sin, to watch over our hearts, to persevere in obedience, and to depend on God to keep us from falling. For those who stand, stand by grace, and those who fall, fall by their own pride and carelessness.
Contemplations:
- Confessing My Carelessness. Lord, I am often too careless about my soul. I do not watch over my heart as I should. I do not think about eternity as I should. I do not always take sin as seriously as I should. Your Word warns me about falling away, about turning back, and about becoming hardened by sin. Forgive me for my spiritual carelessness and help me live more watchfully before You.
- My Tendency to Return to Sin. Father, I confess that even after I know what is right, I am still tempted to return to what is wrong. I confess that I have often sinned against light and knowledge. I know what displeases You and yet often I still do it. Forgive me for sinning against Your light and help me walk more carefully before You.
- My Need for Persevering Grace. Lord, I confess that I cannot persevere in my own strength. If You leave me to myself, I will fall. I need Your grace not only to begin the Christian life, but to continue in it and finish well. Keep me from turning away from You and falling into a life of sin. Hold me up, and I shall be safe.
- Eternal Things Are More Important. Father, I know that Esau sold his birthright for a small pleasure, and yet I often choose insignificant, temporary pleasures and conveniences over what is right and eternal. I choose comfort over holiness, ease over obedience, and present pleasure over future reward. Forgive me for this foolishness and teach me to value what You value.
Prayer (Confession)
Holy and righteous God, I confess that Your Word gives many warnings about falling away, about turning back after knowing the truth, and about becoming hardened by sin. I confess that I am not as watchful as I should be. I am not as careful about my soul as I should be. I am not as afraid of sin as I should be.
I have sinned against light and knowledge. I have known what was right and yet not done it. I have known what was wrong and still been drawn toward it. I confess that my heart is weak and that I am prone to wander.
Lord, I need Your grace every day. I need Your grace to keep me from falling, to keep me from returning to sin, and to keep me walking in obedience. Do not leave me to myself, because I cannot keep myself. Hold me up, and I shall be safe.
And Lord, make me watchful, make me prayerful, and make me careful about my soul. Help me live in repentance, faith, and obedience.
I confess all my sins before You and ask for mercy for the sake of Jesus Christ, who alone is able to keep me from falling and to present me faultless before Your presence with exceeding joy.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References for Jude 1:6:
2 Peter 2:4; 2 Peter 2:9; Rev. 20:10; Matt. 8:29
[1] Samuel Clarke, Three Practical Essays, (London: Printed for James Knapton .., 1699), 154-156.
