Book 26 of 27 in the New Testament — Contending for the faith.
Jude, written by another of Jesus' half-brothers, is a short, urgent letter calling believers to ‘contend for the faith’ against false teachers who had infiltrated the church, twisting grace into a license for immorality. He draws on vivid Old Testament and Jewish tradition examples of judgment to warn of the fate awaiting these teachers. Despite its warnings, the letter closes with one of the New Testament's most quoted doxologies, praising the God who is able to keep believers from stumbling. Its themes closely parallel 2 Peter, written around the same time.
“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”King James Version
Believers are urged to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted to them.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”King James Version
Believers are urged to build themselves up in faith and keep themselves in God's love.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”King James Version
Believers are urged to show mercy to those who doubt and to save others.
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,”King James Version
God is described as able to keep believers from stumbling.
“To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”King James Version
The letter closes praising the only God, our Savior, for all glory and majesty.