Scripture was written for the common man and woman, not for theologians. Theologians can interpret Scripture for our benefit but only if what they interpret remains anchored in the original context and intent. 

Over the last several decades, progressive theology has entered our training institutions and churches. This Trojan Horse has been off-loading progressive reinterpretations of truth. These reinterpretations have led people into places of deception. In the area of the country where I live, the Pacific Northwest, this Trojan Horse has successfully delivered a substantial payload of its cargo into the thinking of some believers.

This morning, I read the short, one- chapter New Testament book written by Jude. I thought how applicable Jude’s words are to our current culture of faith. Jude was written by the half-brother of Jesus. He was in the first generation of believers who were close to the Lord. Jude crafted his letter in the New Covenant. He had a clear understanding of the difference between the Old and New. Jude wrote about the Lord who is unchanging over time and whose view on life and truth remains unwavering no matter where a covenant falls on the historical timeline.

Jude wrote verses strangely familiar to our time like:

“Defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people” (vs.3).

“But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires” (vs. 18).

At the end of his letter, Jude tells his readers that all glory belongs to God “who is able to keep you from falling away” (vs 24).

There are significant consequences for what we choose to believe. As Jude said, we can fall away from the truth if it were not for God’s intervention. Without being anchored in biblical truth, we can allow ungodly desires to lead us to a place where we reinterpret what is true to our demise. If we fail to hold on to the truth once delivered to the Church, we can too easily accept a counterfeit that appeals to our undisciplined souls and unchallenged lust.

Be careful in the coming days. Falsehood is afoot, offering error that has been tailored to meet our soulish needs at the expense of truth and righteousness. Stay close to God’s written word. It was given to us to protect us and help direct our steps.