“Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once and for all handed on to the saints” (Jude 3:1 NRSVUE).
In a world marked by uncertainty, discord, and moral ambiguity, the call to “contend for the faith” resounds with urgency. It carries a profound sense of purpose. Jude’s exhortation to believers to guard the faith shows its timeless relevance. This is especially true in our present age. To contend for the faith is not merely to defend a set of doctrines. It is to live out the life-changing power of Christ’s teachings. This shapes our perspective, actions, and hope.
Understanding the Call to Contend
The faith Jude speaks of is the one “once and for all handed on to the saints.” It is not a creation of human hands, nor a commodity to be reshaped by cultural trends. It is the revelation of God’s truth in Jesus Christ—unchanging, eternal, and adequate for salvation. This faith is grounded in the life of Christ. It is based on the death and resurrection of Christ. This is beautifully expressed in Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live. Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
To live by faith is to see life through Christ’s perspective. This faith is not passive; it is a vibrant, living trust that compels us to action. It reminds us that because Christ lives, we too live—empowered by his Spirit and sustained by his grace. This conviction equips us to face life’s challenges with courage and to navigate the complexities of the world with discernment.
The Reality of Challenges
As we contend for the faith, we must do so with eyes wide open to the realities that surround us. We live in a time when divisive walls and hostility dominate the cultural landscape. Hate and the flood of misinformation also overwhelm our spiritual surroundings. The apostle Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 is sobering: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
The erosion of sound doctrine is not a distant possibility; it is a present reality. The temptation to adapt God’s eternal truth to fit personal preferences or societal norms undermines the very foundation of faith. As believers, we must remain steadfast, discerning between truth and falsehood, and rooted in the Word of God. Sound doctrine is vital for personal faith. It strengthens the collective witness of the Church. It also supports the spiritual growth of all believers.
Seeing Through Christ’s Vision
To contend for the faith, we must learn to see through Christ’s vision. This involves cultivating a perspective shaped by his Word and empowered by his Spirit. It means facing life’s challenges with realism. We must acknowledge the brokenness of the world. Yet, we hold firmly to the hope of redemption. It is a call to live by faith, not by sight. We trust in the sovereignty of God even when circumstances seem bleak.
Galatians 2:20 reminds us that our faith is rooted in the love and sacrifice of Christ. This truth transforms our perspective. It enables us to respond to hostility with grace. We can overcome hate with love. We can counter misinformation with the unchanging truth of the Gospel. Because Christ lives in us, we are equipped to be ambassadors of his hope and peace.
The Importance of Perseverance
Contending for the faith requires perseverance. It is not a one-time effort but a lifelong commitment. Martin Luther aptly described faith as “a living and unshakable confidence.” This confidence is a belief so assured. A [person] would die a thousand deaths for its sake. This faith is not built on fleeting emotions or external circumstances but on the unchanging character of God.
Perseverance is especially crucial in the face of opposition. These challenges may come as cultural pressures, personal struggles, or spiritual battles. The ability to stand firm relies on the assurance that God’s truth will prevail. Jude’s call is not a call to despair. It is a call to hope. This hope is anchored in the victory of Christ and the promises of God.
Equipped for the Task
To contend for the faith effectively, we must be equipped with the right tools. The Word of God is our primary weapon, described as the “sword of the Spirit” in Ephesians 6:17. It is through Scripture that we gain wisdom, discernment, and the strength to stand firm. Prayer is another essential tool. It connects us to the source of our strength. It also aligns our hearts with God’s will.
Community is also vital. The Church is not merely a gathering of individuals but a body of believers united in Christ. Together, we encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and bear witness to the life-changing power of the Gospel. In a world that often isolates and divides, the Church serves as a beacon of unity and love.
A Call to Action
Contending for the faith is not just about holding onto what we believe. It is also about living it out in tangible ways. It involves sharing the Gospel with others. We must serve those in need. We should be a voice of truth and compassion in a fractured world. It is a call to embody the love of Christ in our relationships, our communities, and our daily lives.
This call extends to every believer, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. It is not reserved for theologians or church leaders but is the responsibility of all who profess faith in Christ. Jude encourages the saints to contend for the faith. He reminds us that this is a shared mission. This mission is entrusted to the body of Christ as a whole.
Conclusion: Faith Worth Contending For
As we reflect on Jude’s exhortation, let us be reminded of the preciousness of the faith we have received. This faith, once entrusted to the saints, is worth contending for—not out of fear but out of love and gratitude. It is a faith that transforms lives, shapes communities, and offers hope to a broken world.
In these challenging times, may we rise to the call to contend for the faith with courage, conviction, and compassion. Let us hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word. Live by the power of his Spirit. Shine as lights in the darkness. For in Christ, we have a faith that is unshakable. We possess a hope that is eternal. Our love never fails.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. By the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 