Can We Lose Our Salvation?
Study the book of Jude with me!
I studied the book of Jude with a friend some time ago and I'd like to share my notes with you. The main idea that stood out to me was our ability to actually lose our salvation. Yes, that's a thing, I was just as shocked. Although it is not in the sense of God withdrawing it from us but rather we ourselves forfeiting it.
NB: I used the New Living Translation (NLT) all through, except when stated otherwise.
Jude starts by telling us that the purpose of his letter is to urge us into defending the faith God has entrusted to us. He goes on to take the bull right by the horn by calling out those who have denied Christ in saying "God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives".
We’ve heard something similar to that from Paul in Romans 6:1-2. It says, "What shall we say, then? Should we continue to live in sin so that God’s grace will increase? Certainly not! We have died to sin — how then can we go on living in it?" (GNT)
So, if grace isn't available for us to continue sinning freely, why then does Grace abound?
Here’s what I understood about that from the succeeding verses- (v4): a life of immorality denies Christ. For when we proclaim salvation with our lips but reject Christ’s Lordship we deny His power to transform and make us His image bearers.
v5 goes a step further to help us answer the posed question better. Jude said, "So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later He destroyed those who did not remain faithful."
So even after we’ve been saved/rescued just like the Israelites, if we don’t live holy we’re still doomed to condemnation! Because Grace isn’t a free pass to sin but the strength of God in us to deny the impulse of the flesh and choose the way of the Spirit (which is how we remain faithful to Him). We shouldn’t separate salvation and holiness! It is like a two-in-one package. Hebrews 12:14 confirms it when it said [paraphrased], "Without holiness, no eye shall see the Lord."
Our sentimental and extremely valuable salvation stories remain as empty words until will embrace the nature of Christ taking shape in us.
Jude, then, mentions some of the sins that separate us from the Father even after declaring our salvation; v5 highlights unfaithfulness, v6 pride and sexual immorality in v7.
But thank goodness he didn't stop there. He began to expound on how we can "defend our faith" just as he mentioned in the beginning.
FIRST: he shows us all that is able to cause our faith to crumble and how they affect us. See v4-6.
SECOND: he shows us the cause of that way of life ¹, how to be delivered ² and stay afloat ³.
¹ v19 ...They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.
² v20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most Holy faith [fellowship with other believers], pray in the Holy Spirit...
³ v21 ...and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
THIRD: he shows us how to help our friends wavering in faith.
v22 "And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. v23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgement. Show mercy to still others but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
FOURTH: he reminds us that it is not by might, nor by power but by the Lord's Spirit, by His help alone.
v24 "Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His presence without a single fault."
I hope this little study helped you understand Jude a bit better and encouraged you to not deny the Lord access to your heart in order to make you more beautiful, as He is... God help us all❣️
Remember you can clap (50x), share and I look forward to seeing your highlights (knowing the parts that resonate with you most).
Till next Thursday ✨
You should check this out by the way...
