"Contend for the Faith."

 

A Deep-Laid Foundation

 “The faith” which Jude refers to is the body of truths we hold concerning our Christian belief. Peter says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walked about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world (1 Peter 5:8, 9).” Both these writers encourage the believer to hold onto the faith.

“The faith” is to be distinguished from the phrase “your faith.” “Your faith” refers to the believer’s personal experience, “the trial of your faith (1 Peter 1:7).” “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge (2 Peter 1:5).”

Revelation 14:12  “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” While much attention has been given to the phrase “they that keep the commandments of God,” it should be noted that those who receive the seal of God and avoid the mark of the beast also “keep . . . the faith of Jesus.” The phrase “the faith of Jesus” serves as an object of the verb “keep.” Thus, the remnant will be those who “earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 3).”

Within Adventism “the faith” includes not only the body of truths that were established early in the apostolic age, but also those special truths the Bible indicates would be revealed in the last days.These special truths are known within Adventism as the “three angels’ messages.” 

• Their development came from Bible study and revelation.

• The foundational points were established early in our experience.

• These points are not to be moved or changed.

• Any deviation from these truths would be apostasy.

The main doctrines and foundational points of our faith were established through much Bible study and with the aid of divine revelations given to Sister Ellen G. White. Secondly, these main foundational points were established early, by 1850. Thirdly, the Scriptures state: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do (Psalm 11:3)?” The Scriptures also teach that “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18).” However, the “shining light” that grows brighter will not darken that which has been established as truth! Fourthly, deviation from these truths brings apostasy which, if continued, results in a city that was once faithful becoming a “harlot.” (See Isaiah 1:21.)

Let us begin first by noting the method with which the apostolic faith was developed. The apostle Peter states:We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Peter tells us that “the faith” was revealed through the prophets as they were moved by “the Holy Ghost” or, as he says in his first epistle, “the Spirit of Christ (1 Peter 1:11).” Moses prophesied concerning Christ: “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him (Deuteronomy 18:18).” 

The book of Revelation begins: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John (Revelation 1:1).” Here we see that God communicates his will through the prophets. “The faith” is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone ( Ephesians 2:20).” “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11, 12).”

TESTIMONY

These are the words of the Apostle Jude, evidently written for the people of God in the "last time." In the third verse of his sententious epistle this "servant of Jesus Christ" says: "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." "Contend for the faith!" How suggestive an expression! The Apostle in looking down the vista of time, amid the perils of the last hours of probation, saw the antagonistic principles of Truth and Error arrayed in close combat, and hence his admonition to the soldier of the cross. If not before, we have now reached a crisis where we can determine the necessity of the Apostle's exhortation. The people of God are compassed with dangers, and the combat deepens. Trials always test the valor and faith of the Christian; and it is by these that many stumble and fall; still the Holy One of Israel has declared he would have a "tried people." Jude, by the prophetic Spirit, saw the Lord's children in conflict with the enemies of truth-he saw them in violent rencounter with the powers of darkness, the beast and his image, and in addition to this outward pressure, he saw traitors and cowards in their ranks, "spots in their feasts of charity," so he cheers them on to the contest and says, "Contend for the faith!" {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.1} 

We do not suppose this refers so much to certain Christian graces, and emotions of the mind, as it does to the letter of the truth. Joy, peace, and love, are a natural result of being obedient to all the commandments of God. God's people are made the depositaries of his truth, and this makes them extremely unpopular, and lest in an evil hour they should prove recreant to their high trust, he tells them to contend for the faith. The doctrinal views of Seventh-day Adventists are such as to render them obnoxious, and make them a sort of target for opposers to shoot at. But the man who can breast opposition in a Christ-like spirit, who can stand the shock of attack without beating an inglorious retreat, such an one is morally brave, and for him there awaits a "crown of rejoicing." The words of the Saviour are, "He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." And again, "Strive (i.e. agonize, or strain every nerve,) to enter in at the strait gate." Says Paul, "I press toward the mark." And he exhorts the church to "Fight the good fight of faith;" "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;" "So run that ye may obtain;" "Strive together for the faith of the gospel;" "Labor therefore to enter into that rest;" "Stand fast in the faith; quit you like men; be strong." {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.2} 

These are only a few of the strong terms which the Bible uses to excite us forward in this glorious work. And let God's people press together and there is no fear of the result For {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.3} 

"The Hand that bears all nature up,

Shall guard His children well." {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.4} 

On to Mount Zion, is the watchword which seems to pass from the highest in command to the lowest subaltern in the ranks. Let the Devil pit his legions against the columns of Prince Immanuel, we will press forward; He who wrought out salvation for us is our leader, and in his strength we are well able to go up and possess the land. This is a period of endurance, and "eternity's years will tell for our faithfulness now." We are to be like the Highland trooper who "never learned to beat a retreat!" Satan, by some wily feint or bold attack, will seek to get the vantage ground, but God's people must buckle on the armor and trust in Him who is higher than the heavens, and "over all, God blessed forever." {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.5} 

Brethren, let us all "contend" for that faith which was once delivered to the saints. {December 5, 1865 UrSe, ARSH 4.6}

Ev.Benard Odhiambo,

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