The Faith Once Delivered to the Saints

by Connie W. Adams

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The first four verses of Jude sounded a warning to those within the church of that day to guard against "certain men" who would creep in "unawares" and undermine that system of divine truth which he called "the faith." Jude was written late in the first century when the issues facing the church had taken on a different complexion from those of the first few decades after Pentecost. By this time the formal Jewish opposition had lost its punch and the church faced the insidious threats of bizarre philosophical approaches which came in with the advance of the gospel in Greece and North Africa. The trouble they faced did not come from frontal assaults on the faith from the unbelieving world but rather from the deceitful behavior of those who professed allegiance to the truth while drawing away disciples after them. Attacks from without have always drawn the people of God closer together. The greatest devastation has always come from within.

A Body of Truth — "The Faith" The appeal of Jude 3 is to contend for "the faith." This argues that there is a body of teaching distinguished from all human wisdom. What pertains to "the faith" can be determined. If not, then contention for it would be impossible. It is popular these days to argue that truth cannot be known absolutely, that every generation and every person must find what appears to him to be truth. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Before Pilate he said "I came to bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice" (John 18:37). The fullness of grace and truth came by him (John 1:14, 17). He promised his apostles to send the Holy Spirit to guide them into "all truth" (John 16:13-14). There is a body of truth called "the faith" which may be known so that "saints" may contend for it.

Complete Truth — "Once" Delivered The finality and completeness of this body of teaching is indicated by the word HAPAX translated "once" (KJV), "once for all" (NIV and NASV). This body of truth has one time for all time been made known. This passage strikes a death blow to all claims of latter day revelations. It argues the finality, completeness and all sufficiency of God's revelation. There is nothing left to be added from human wisdom. Nothing should be subtracted from it. Indeed, "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:3). It was during one interval of human history that God began and completed the revelation of that body of truth called "the faith." Paul said "once was I stoned" (2 Cor. 11:25). That exhausted the number of times he was stoned. "It is appointed unto man once to die" (Heb. 9:27). Man's appointment with death is summarized and finalized in that statement. When Jude said the faith was "once for all" delivered to the saints that argues for the fullness and completeness of divine truth in what God delivered. Every system of religion based on the claim of latter day revelations is therefore false including Mormonism, Adventism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Armstrongism and other systems of like nature. They all have in common the notion that divine revelation was not once delivered. If the fullness’ of its revelation occurred in the first century then all such claimants are proved to be false teachers, blind guides and deceitful workers.

Authoritative Truth — "Delivered" When Jude said this faith was once "delivered" he emphasized the authoritative nature of this body of teaching. In Titus 1:3 Paul said that God "hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me. . ." This has reference to the apostolic preaching, the kind which Paul did. There are three terms used in the New Testament to describe these men through whom this revelation came.

(1) Ambassadors. Paul said "We are ambassadors for Christ" (2 Cor. 5:20). It is a misuse of scripture to apply that statement to modern-day Christians. The term "ambassador" implies a commission, suggests an official embassy and includes credentials to demonstrate the authority by which these ambassadors spoke. To receive an ambassador is to extend recognition to the power which sent him. Likewise, the rejection of an ambassador is the rejection of the power standing behind him. Jesus said to his apostles "He that receiveth you receiveth me" (Mt. 10:40). These men were sent forth to bind and loose what had already been bound in heaven (Mt. 18:18). Unto them Jesus said "Whose sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose sins ye retain, they are retained" (John 20:23). Unto these ambassadors of heaven the Lord gave the power to state divine law. The law did not originate with them f or it was already settled in heaven. They made it known. Further, they were given credentials to show their official embassy in the miraculous powers they possessed. "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds" (2 Cor. 12:12). The age of miracles belonged to the time of their ambassadorship. During the time they were involved in this apostolic preaching, their credentials confirmed their word (Mark 16:20).

(2) Earthen Vessels. In order to "deliver" the faith, Christ chose the earthen vessels of the apostles into whose hearts he shinned the light of inspiration. "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shinned in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (2 Cor. 4:6-7). The "earthen vessels" of this passage were those who had the light of divine inspiration and therefore does not relate to preachers other than those who originally "delivered" the faith. Since they had "the light" of divine knowledge, their message was authoritative and not to be rejected.

(3) Witnesses. The faith was "delivered" by witnesses who saw the Lord, heard him speak, knew directly of his deeds and could speak as eye witnesses of his resurrection. Jesus said to them just before his ascension "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Peter said "We . . . . were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). John wrote "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. . . . declare we unto you" (1 John 1:1-3). The special appearance of the Lord to Paul was to make him "a minister and a witness both of those things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee" (Acts 26:16). The faith was "delivered" by chosen and empowered ambassadors who were vessels of earth into whose hearts the light of divine truth shone, and who were witnesses of the power and majesty of our Lord. What they "delivered" therefore is authoritative and binding on earth even as it is bound in heaven.

Trustees of the Faith — "The Saints" Knowledge of the truth delivered and obedience to it made saints of them even as it does today. A saint is one made holy and consecrated to the Lord's service. Every saint should cherish the truth which set him free and should seriously consider his obligation to guard that body of truth which made him free. The faith is worth contending for. The word "contend" in Jude 3 represents the most strenuous effort required of man. It speaks of struggle, of intense effort. If the faith is not defended from those who creep in unaware then the hope of all mankind is lost. When saints grow weary from the struggle and retire from the field of battle then the enemy shall take captive souls at his will. Those of us who live now are deeply indebted to those who have gone before us who had to sort out truth from error and who, upon finding truth, contended for it with all their might. We owe it to the faith itself to contend for it. We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to our unsaved friends and loved ones. We owe it to generations yet unborn. What God delivered must be kept as he gave it. "There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. 4:5). Let us be constantly aware of the sly maneuvers of those who would slip into the flock, deny the faith, compromise with error and lead souls astray. "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" (1 Cor. 16:13).

- Searching the Scriptures, Vol. XXI, No. 1, January 1980

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That's Just Your Interpretation

by Mark Larson
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That’s just your interpretation! How many times has someone said that to you when you attempted to teach them the truth from the Scriptures? Rather than take the message of truth to heart, it is quickly dismissed as merely your opinion and not taken seriously at all.

If you have ever heard this before, you know that it is sort of like “hitting a brick wall.” Further discussion of the truth with such a person can be very difficult. The potential for meaningful Bible study is not very promising.

What Is Your Interpretation? The best way to begin in your response to someone who says: “That’s just your interpretation” is to hand the passage over to them and ask for their interpretation. An interpretation in Bible study is simply an explanation of the meaning of a particular passage of Scripture. Rather than be discouraged and give up, make this offer instead: “I am willing to hear your interpretation and correct my own position if I am wrong. What is it?” This demonstrates fairness as well as humility, both which are necessary for Bible study (Prov. 18:12-13). Be open-minded and willing to hear any evidence that they might have for their beliefs and practices. Just as we hope for positive change in the people we teach, we too must demonstrate a willingness to change our own beliefs and practices when we are corrected (e.g., Acts 18:24-26).

Speak in Terms of Evidence: When making the offer to listen to other people’s interpretation of Scripture, be sure to include this request: “You must have evidence to support your interpretation over mine. What is it?” Before allowing an exchange of interpretations to take place, it is important to come to a mutual agreement that true, saving faith is based on the evidence or the teaching of the Scriptures. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

We must speak of the importance of providing book, chapter, and verse for the beliefs that we hold (1 Pet. 4:11; Col. 3:17). We must emphasize that a fair hearing must be given to all that God has said on the matter to get a proper understanding of God’s will. When studying any subject, “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) should be sought in the pursuit for the truth. Passages must be examined in its proper context. Concordances and Hebrew or Greek Bible dictionaries are very helpful to gather even more evidence.

No Legitimate Interpretations? Sometimes people reject the truth because they are convinced that no interpretation of Scripture can be relied on as the truth. Many are convinced that every interpretation involves man’s opinions and thus everything is spun, biased, or slanted to favor a particular doctrine, practice, or personal viewpoint.

Let us admit the fact that there are indeed many interpretations of Scripture offered today that are according to man’s opinions that must be rejected (2 Pet. 3:15-17). However, not all interpretations are false. There are real differences between interpretations. Many will lead to eternal destruction, yet only the truth will lead to eternal life (Mat. 7:13-14).

Finding the truth requires a recognition that there is ultimately only one right interpretation of the Scriptures. There is only one faith (Eph. 4:5; Jude 3) or one truth (John 8:32; 17:17) that God has revealed to us. God has promised us that we can know what the truth is (1 Tim. 2:4; Eph. 3:4). These facts ought to bring hope to the skeptic who says there are no legitimate interpretations.

Will Any Interpretation of Scripture Do? Sometimes people take the opposite extreme and declare that though there is only one faith or truth, it is too confusing or difficult to find. Many people, in response to the multitude of religious groups and doctrines, conclude that almost any interpretation will do. Rather than rule out certain religious beliefs on the basis of Scripture, there is the desire to respect every belief as equal in merit or legitimacy. Many people want to “just get along” and do not want to debate or discuss their differences. The preferred “solution” of many is to just choose the interpretation that personally suits you best and call that “the truth.”

Some Interpretations Are Better or More Plausible Than Others: The answer to any confusion or challenge that we may have in searching for the truth is not to choose just any interpretation of Scripture! Imagine the trouble we would have in our lives if we handled all of our decisions this way. For example, would we be willing to randomly choose a marriage partner? Would we choose just any car to drive or any house to live in? Would any of us be willing to invest our hard earned savings into just any type of investment? When we are sick, would we decide that just any medicine or treatment will make us well? Of course not! In making any important decision in life, to choose wisely requires that we learn all that we can about the issue or problem that is at hand. The same is true in deciding what we should believe and practice in religion from the Scriptures.

So which interpretation of Scripture should one choose? To sift through the interpretations that are possible and decide on only one requires that we accept the interpretation that is most plausible, probable, or credible. Rather than foolishly accept just any interpretation of Scripture, let us choose the one that provides the most evidence (e.g., true to the context of the passage, in harmony with parallel passages on the same subject, true to the actual meaning of Bible words, etc.). “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).

God Provides Us with Rules for Interpretation: Thankfully, God provides us with some assistance on how to interpret the Scriptures right in the Word itself! The Lord gives us the help we need to determine the truth for what we are to believe and practice in religion. There are four major rules He provides: (1) Direct statements or commands we must obey (e.g., John 14:15; 2 Pet. 3:1-2); (2) Divinely approved examples we are to follow (e.g., 1 Pet. 2:21; Phil. 3:17; Acts 2:42); (3) Necessary implications, meaning conclusions we can make from what is implied in Scripture (e.g., Mat. 22:41-46); (4) Respect for the silence of God, meaning we restrict ourselves to what God has revealed in the Scriptures to determine His will (Deut. 29:29). We do not add to it nor take away from it (Rev. 22:18-19). Let us all be true to God and respect His word in the interpretation of the Scriptures.

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Are We Secularizing Our Children?

by Sewell Hall
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Several years ago, a Christian who was the president of a large state university stated his belief that students do not lose their faith because of evolution in the science department or humanism in the philosophy, psychology, or sociology departments. Rather, he felt that they become so absorbed with secular studies and secular activities that they do not take time for spiritual things. They neglect attendance at services, neglect Bible study and make their friends among worldly people. They die spiritually, not from poison but from spiritual malnutrition. Today, this is happening to children long before they get to college. And some of the finest, best intentioned and most sacrificial and loving parents are contributing to it.


Please pardon a personal reference. My parents were very concerned about keeping control of their children. My father complained 50 years ago that the schools were trying to take over the rearing of children and he was determined not to let that happen to his family. Anything the school planned that conflicted with church activities was considered an encroachment by the school. We did not participate in organized sports, either in school or in summer programs. We did not play in the band or join the scouts. As a rule, when school was out we came home.


You may think my parents extreme. Perhaps they were. But one thing was certain: We had time for whatever Christians were doing anywhere in the areas where we lived. We not only attended every regular service and every service of gospel meetings in our home congregation, but we attended most services of any meeting anywhere in driving distance even when meetings lasted the greater part of two weeks. Preachers who came preaching in the area learned to expect the Hall family near the front of the building night after night. I never remember going out of town for a ball game, but I remember many trips out of town to gospel meetings and lectureships. Those gospel preachers became our heroes and the members of those congregations became the friends whose respect and confidence we most desired.


This is not to say that all parents should adopt the policies of my parents. I did not adhere to all of them in raising my children. But surely some limits need to be imposed on the run-away secularism now so common. Children are the busiest people in town. Schools have lengthened the school day and long bus rides often require children to leave home very early in the morning and return late in the afternoon. Then they have homework to get. Much extra time in school is spent in humanistic activities. Children are constantly exposed to vulgarity and profanity not only from fellow-students, but even from teachers. They desperately need counteracting spiritual influences.


Many conscientious parents, however, want still more secular opportunities for their children than the standard curriculum provides. They encourage participation in extra-curricular sports organized by the school and in others that are privately organized, occupying afternoons and Saturdays and even portions of Sundays as well as the summer months. Students not inclined to sports are encouraged to join the band with long hours of after-school practice, summer band camps, compulsory Friday night football in the fall and concerts in the spring. In addition, there are often private music lessons. Scouts also provide wholesome experiences, and parents want their children to be involved. In fact, they feel that their children are deprived if they miss any of these opportunities, and so to provide them parents pack their own schedules full, taxiing the children here and there and sacrificially spending their energy and money.


What is wrong with these things? Generally nothing. The problem is that they are dominating children's lives. No wonder it has become impossible to plan a gospel meeting at a time when it does not conflict with some kind of secular activity! No wonder it is exceptional when students attend every night of such a meeting! No wonder very few parents and even fewer young people are to be seen at special services beyond their own congregation!


A negative attitude seems to be developing toward anything the church plans beyond the usual Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night assemblies or toward any extension of evening activities beyond one hour. The church is considered insensitive when anything is planned that encroaches on children's busy secular activities.


When do we expect our children to change from this heavily weighted emphasis on this world to ``seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?'' If they become accustomed to a secular schedule in elementary school, high school will only increase the pressure. College allows still less time for the Lord unless there is a purposeful determination to keep the lid on secular demands. If such priorities have not been learned under the guidance of parents, it is unlikely they will be developed when students are on their own in college. By the time those school years of immersion in secularism are over, there is usually very little spiritual life left in them.
And it all begins when they are young!

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Where Will Your Hurt Lead You?

by Larry Rouse
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Over the years I have witnessed the reactions of Christians to the terrible experience of being divorced from their mate. In most of these cases their mate had participated in numerous affairs and the faithful Christian tried but failed to restore their loved one. They then applied the only scriptural grounds for divorce the Lord gave and put away their unfaithful mate. “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery. (Matthew 19:9)” While these Christians were indeed innocent of the breaking up their marriage, they now had to face the very difficult task of rebuilding their lives and seeking to heal their wounded spirit.

Regardless of the cause of the hurt, if it be divorce, death, betrayal, or some other cause, this presents an opportunity for Satan to take advantage of us in our hurt (2 Cor 2:11). This is a major challenge to our faith. Will we let our emotions and thus our flesh direct us in the ways of the world or will we walk by faith? Will you let God or your hurt lead you? The obvious choice is easy to recognize but very difficult to practice.

Learn to Give to God the Things You Cannot Change

Satan’s greatest success comes when a Christian is overburdened. Over time he will seek relief from his burden that often will involve sin. Jesus knows that we have a “load limit” and He pleads with us to let Him carry the burden that we cannot. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)” Jesus gives us responsibilities that we can handle! When we stay within the “yoke” given by our Lord then our faith will grow and our wounded spirit will heal.

We need to apply a simple bit of wisdom and distinguish between God’s bearable burden and the unbearable burdens we are tempted to carry. This truth is well stated in this common quote: “"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." Consider this short list of things that fall into this category. I cannot change: the past, what is right and wrong, death, the weather, and many other things. One other practical but major item is this, I cannot change another person against their will. If you fail to recognize these things and then refuse to give them to God, you will, in time, become a “burnt-out” disciple, full of cynicism and doubt. Why not trust God and give these things to Him?

Learn to Slam the Door on Self-Pity

Have you ever heard this children’s song: “"Nobody loves me, everybody hates me. I'm going out and eat worms"? This is a perfect description of one having a “pity-party.” Have you ever reasoned like this: "People are talking about me. Nobody understands my feelings! There is no one on earth who has suffered as me. Nobody cares. I do not deserve this."? If so, then you are walking down the road of self-pity and if you are not careful it will run and then ruin your life.
Great men of God at times struggled with these feelings. Elijah, after a physically and emotionally exhausting day in which he defeated the prophets of Baal, received word of a death threat from Jezebel the queen (1 Kings 19:1). The emotions of Elijah caused him to flee into the wilderness and plea to God for his own death. He then claimed that he was the only one left that cared about God and there was no more need to try. “And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers! … 10So he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (1 Kings 19:4b, 10) Elijah allowed his emotions to create a “reality” that was not real. The Lord made sure that the prophet got some food and a needed rest, and then proceeded to tell him about the 7,000 who were faithful in Israel (1 Kings 19:18). God then sent him back to work!

Please resist the temptation to withdraw and count all brethren as unfaithful because of your experience with certain men. You must fight the temptation to conclude that you can read the minds of others and thus write them off because of your “instincts.” In many ways you will become just like the ones who hurt you in these kinds of unrighteous judgments (John 7:24). When you withdraw from brethren that love you into the cold and isolated world of self-pity, then things will only get worse. It has been said that self-pity is a slow and very painful form of suicide.

Learn the Power of Thanksgiving

When we open our eyes to what God has done and is doing for us, then we will not make ourselves the “center of the universe.” “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)” Which will you choose -- thanksgiving or self-pity? The 3 “L’s” of self-pity are these: “What I have Lost, What I Lack, and How I am Limited.” So much of our disposition depends upon what we choose to focus on. As one man related “I complained because I had no shoes until I met someone who had no feet." In contrast the thankful man sees the blessings of God and speaks with the apostle Paul saying: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)”

A man of faith will be optimistic and full strength. A Biblical faith will teach you how to deal with the issues of life and especially how to overcome adversity. This stand will make you a blessing in the lives of others rather than an isolated cynic. Do you really believe in God? It is my prayer that you will let your thoughts become conformed to God’s thoughts. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)”

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