Jude 1:1-25; II Peter 1-3
Both Jude and II Peter issue strong warnings against false teachers. My guess is that many of us are somewhat uncomfortable with the rather condemnatory language Jude and Peter use toward those who lead believers astray — these “rants” against the apostate. Yet such language is perfectly appropriate — necessary even — to communicate the seriousness of heresy and the dangers therein. Whatever discomfort we may have probably says a good deal about how much we have bought into all sorts of false teachings — and that we’d rather be “nice” than to call a spade a spade.
God is not mocked. He knows how to execute His judgments, and He will do so. It will not be pretty for those false teachers.
But the purpose of these books is not simply to condemn false teachers but to encourage believers (i.e., us, hopefully) to be on guard against false teaching, to stand firm in the Truth, to be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace. (II Peter 3:14b).
So take heed. Guard your hearts. Pursue the Truth. Ask yourself again: To whom do you listen?
See also: