The Letter From Jude

It's an age-old question: If you're forgiven for all your sins, then why stop sinning? My uncle asked that question of my mum once, and she replied "Because you don't want to sin any more."

I can find no logic whatsoever in that equation. There lies a purely emotional argument. With which I agree.

Jude's epistle is a warning against precisely this situation.

For certain men whose condemnation was written about[Or men who were marked out for condemnation] long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

- Jude 4 (NIV)

Much of this letter is taken up with condemning such an opportunistic attitude, and I can't help wondering if Jude wrote the letter partly to blow off some steam.

These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

- Jude 19 (NIV)

Jude's discontent even slips into Biblical fanboy mode at one point:

Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion.

- Jude 11 (NIV)

Hey Jude - don't make it bad. Take a sad song, and make it better…