Reason for Contending
Jude, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, found it necessary to write to Christians exhorting them “to
contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Certain men had
crept in unnoticed who were perverting the truth and “denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ”
(Jude 4). It may seem remarkable to us that errors were creeping in among the saints so soon after the
beginning of the New Covenant; however, several were noted by the writers of the New Testament (I
Corinthians 1:10-13; 11:18,19; 15:12; Galatians 1:6,7; II Timothy 2:16-18; II Peter 3:11-16; Revelation
2:15). We should note well that Christians were taught to oppose error vigorously (Galatians 2:11;
Titus 1:7-11; James 5:19,20; Acts 15:1,2; II Timothy 4:2-4; Titus 3:9-11).
The clarity and coherence of the faith make it possible for us to contend for it. God’s message to us
is not nebulous. It is high time that people quit the doctrine that no one can be certain concerning what is
truth. We can know what the faith is, else how can we earnestly contend for it (Jude 3)? Jesus said, “If
you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
you free” (John 8:31,32). We can know who God is, who Christ is, what God’s plan of redemption is, what
sin is, what conditions God has set in place for salvation from sins, what the church is, what the work and
worship of the church are, what righteous living consists of, and what the two eternal destinies are. Since
we can know these things, we can contend for them, and we can oppose all teachings contrary to them.
My brethren, everywhere around us falsehood is being taught and errors practiced. Such are exposed
by the bright light of truth (John 3:19-21). If anyone stands for truth, he necessarily stands against all
things contrary to truth. Are some people made unhappy when truth is taught and error exposed?
Indeed they are! Some unhappy ones tried to kill Jesus even before His crucifixion; Stephen was killed;
Paul was repeatedly beaten and imprisoned; and many saints have suffered wrongfully because they
contended earnestly for the faith. Are we better than they? May God help us to have the courage to do
what we know we ought to do!
Gilbert Alexander
Beulah Church of Christ
(256) 232-1050