Jude 23 (ESV) — … save others by snatching them out of the fire; to
others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
NOTE: The verse
seems to suggest that these "people" do not know the savior, and they
need salvation. I think this "fire" is hell, but there are other
cases in scripture where it is a physical fire, like the one that would destroy
Jerusalem (which this letter precedes by only a few years). Still others are to
be shown mercy, but why? Is it because they are believers, just deceived by
Satan? That would seem to make the most sense, since the first part of the
verse deals with the unbelieving "Church attendees," and this part
deals with the believing but misguided "Church members." The warning
is to be careful, that is to be fearful, hating even the garment stained by the
flesh. These members are in terrible sin. The sin is tempting, and getting too
close can even affect the rescuer.
PRAYER: Father, give
me wisdom as I try to help believers and unbelievers escape the clutches of the
evil one.
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