In Jude 1:3, the Bible says, “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” At first glance, this verse might seem straightforward, but there’s a lot packed into it. Let’s break it down and see what it really means for us today.
Understanding Jude’s Urgency
Jude wanted to write about salvation—something joyful and encouraging. But he felt a stronger need to warn believers about false teachings creeping into the church. His urgency wasn’t just about correcting errors; it was about protecting the core truth of Christianity.
🔹 Why the sudden shift? False teachers were twisting God’s grace into an excuse for sin (Jude 1:4).
🔹 What does “contend for the faith” mean? It’s not about fighting people but standing firm in biblical truth.
What Does “The Faith” Refer To?
“The faith” isn’t about personal belief or feelings. It’s the unchanging truth of the gospel—the message of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and salvation by grace.
📌 Key aspects of “the faith”:
1. Once for all delivered → The gospel is complete. No new revelations replace it.
2. Entrusted to God’s people → Every believer has a role in guarding and sharing it.
Why Contending Matters Today
False teachings didn’t disappear after Jude’s letter. They still show up in different forms:
🔥 Modern examples:
→ “God just wants you happy, not holy.”
→ “All religions lead to the same God.”
→ “The Bible’s truths are outdated.”
Jude’s message is clear: Truth matters. If we don’t defend it, who will?
How to Contend Without Being Combative
Contending doesn’t mean being argumentative. It’s about:
✅ Knowing Scripture → You can’t defend what you don’t understand.
✅ Living it out → Truth is best shown through love and integrity.
✅ Speaking with grace → Even correction should point people to Jesus.
Final Thoughts
Jude 1:3 isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a wake-up call. The gospel is worth protecting—not with anger, but with courage and love.
💡 Ask yourself:
◆ Am I grounded in Scripture enough to spot false teachings?
◆ How can I stand for truth without pushing people away?
The faith we share is precious. Let’s hold it close and pass it on—unchanged.