A Call to Persevere

(Jude 1:17–23)

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place [fn] by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,[fn] 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

23 Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. 25 Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

26 If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. 28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,”[fn] and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”[fn] 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 Remember the early days that you were in the light.[fn] In those days, you endured a great conflict in the face of suffering. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to ridicule and persecution; at other times you were partners with those who were so treated. 34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

35 So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. 36 You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. 37 For,

“In just a little while,

He who is coming will come and will not delay.

38 But My righteous one will live by faith;[fn]

and if he shrinks back,

I will take no pleasure in him.”[fn]

39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.