Scriptures: Jude 1-2, 1 Timothy 4:1, Philippians 1:6, Romans 10:13, 8:38-39, Hebrews 12:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, John 17:23, Jeremiah 31:3, 1 Peter 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

An apostate is someone who claims to know Jesus and to love Jesus, but in fact, does not. He will pretend to believe the Bible, but denies its authority. He will say he stands for truth, but denies the truth with his life. The first verses of Jude cut the heart of the matter--eternal security. Can someone confess Christ, but in fact not be a Christian; not be saved? So before Jude speaks as a prophet, he speaks as a pastor, giving every Christ-follower three reasons he can be sure he is a true believer.

"If it were left up to man on his own to vote, he would always vote with the devil and against God. I’ve got news for you. If you are one of those who have voted for God, it is because God first voted for you. We love him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)" --Dr. Merritt

Keywords: Jude, apostate, apostasy, salvation, faith, security, belief, saved, deny, Spurgeon, sanctified, sovereign, guarded, saving, inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, heaven, persuaded, called, insurance, assurance