“But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.” (Jude 1:5)
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. He gives us three examples in verses 5-7 of Old Testament apostates who were judged by God.
1. The Backslidden Israelites (v. 5; Gen. 37-50; Num. 13-14). They started out well but because of unbelief they all died in the wilderness before possessing the Promised Land.
2. The Fallen Angels (v. 6; 2Pet. 2:4). They started out well – in heaven with God, but because of rebellion against God were cast out of heaven and are incarcerated in darkness awaiting their final judgment.
3. Sodom & Gomorrah (v. 7; Gen. 18-19; 2Pet. 2:6-9). Once a fruitful land, but God destroyed these cities because of sexual immorality.
It’s not how you start, but how you finish – so persevere! Contend for your faith! Judgement is coming to contemporary apostates!