“Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” (Jude 1:11)
Jude is writing the church to warn them about false teachers or apostates. Apostates are those who promote beliefs contrary to the true faith while often pretending to accept the true faith. Jude is telling us that these apostates are going to be judged by God, just as God judged Cain, Balaam and Korah.
1. The Way of Cain (Gen. 4:5-12; 1Jn. 3:11-12) – Cain worshipped God his way rather than God’s way. He offered God his works from an impure heart rather than faith and obedience from a pure heart.
2. The Error of Balaam (Num. 22-24; 25:1-2; 31:16, 8; 2Pet. 2:15-16) – Balaam prostituted his gift in an attempt to satisfy his greed and led people into immorality and idolatry.
3. The Rebellion of Korah (Num. 16) – Korah led a rebellion against God’s delegated authority (Moses).
In each of the above examples, God brought judgment to apostasy and will do the same to contemporary apostates if they don’t repent.