Bible Discussion Thread

Peter completes the first chapter of his second Epistle with a warning much like Paul does knowing that he is about to die. He elaborates on heresy among the brethren in chapter 2; then further apostasy in the last days in the third and final chapter. This is very clearly paralleled in the Book of Jude; giving pause to consider whether both authors communicated this theme or Jude got his ideas from Peter who perhaps had gotten it from Paul. This is all the inspired Word of God; of course. The concern for these things was clearly indicated when Paul stated that he prayed with tears "day and night for three years" concerning the state of the church. ( Acts 20:31; also see 20:37 when people wept about the prophecy of his imprisonment and likely martyrdom eventually in Jerusalem). Jude was going to discuss general doctrine; but the Lord redirected him with similar exhortations as he states in the beginning of the book.

There clearly is no mincing of words here. Verse 20 and 21 are particularly sobering warning that it is better not to know the truth than to know it and become reprobate (i.e. harsher judgment). The only one in this generation that may have been similar that I am aware of was David Wilkerson. Aside from interpretations of certain end time verses and prophetic statements that he made; which is the subject of another post; he certainly spoke against heretical practices.

Think about it. Today we remember men who were fabulous expositors of scripture; orators or who tenaciously held to the traditions of church doctrines. All of these things of course are commendable. But would they be held in such high esteem if they warned about apostasy; in their own midst no less. Surely the pride of those who had stakes in the institution; denomination; Christian school (not to mention FAMILY MEMBERS) would be offended. To use past successes as our standard in how Christ sees a church today is unwise in light of verses such as Rev. 2:5!!!