Grace to Stand for the Gospel

Read Jude 1:1-2.

We have all been created in God’s image, but only those who have been called, conscripted, and compelled to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior have become His children. And God loves His children with a love beyond human comprehension.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Because we belong to Him, everything is changed. We can defeat temptation by the power of His Spirit. We can have peace in turmoil and courage to contend for the faith. And we can rest in the knowledge that no one can snatch us from His hand (see John 10:28-29). No one can ever separate you from His love and eternal protection (see Romans 8:38-39).

That is why, as true believers, we cannot habitually and carelessly live in disobedience to God’s Word. That doesn’t mean we won’t still struggle with sin in our lives—we will. But now, when we sin, we are stricken in our hearts and cannot rest until we confess, repent, and turn to the Lord. Indeed, the knowledge that we belong to God—not by our own merit but by Christ’s—rightly humbles us, compelling us to submit to the Bible and all its teachings with gratitude.

This is why we cannot allow wolves in sheep’s clothing to deny or twist the Truth of Scripture. We cannot stand by as they proclaim falsehoods. Our eternal King commissioned us and commands us to speak the Truth in love. He gives us confidence and joy to stand firm for the faith.

Because we are so securely and greatly loved, we can freely love others. But make no mistake: God’s love does not muddy the Truth. God’s love does not accept false teaching. God’s love does not baptize sin into the Church. God’s love confronts error, even when it’s unpopular to do so. Though the world today may call us intolerant and narrowminded when we confront falsehoods, nothing could be further from the Truth. It is love that drives us to contend for the Truth of the Gospel “because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

Prayer: Lord, embolden me to proclaim Your Truth in love, that more might come to know eternal life in Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.