Jude 17But you, beloved ones, remember the words foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ 18that they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”
In the last times, people will reject God and the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ever since Jesus ascended, believers have been living in the last times. We cannot know whether the last of the last times are here or whether Jesus will be returning soon. However, the evidence is clear to any believer and to honest unbelievers that people are scoffing at Christians. It seems that more and more Christians are being persecuted each year. Jesus warned his disciples about this, and the apostles passed this prophecy down to the first and second generations of Christians. Jude notes how the apostles had special insight into these matters, probably because they spent time with Jesus and heard his prophecies (2 Peter 3:2, 15, 16).
This warning continues to today. We should not be surprised when we are ridiculed and even persecuted for our faith. Why are Christians hated by some people? Why are believers imprisoned, tortured, and even killed in some places? Something about the light of Jesus bothers people. Perhaps they feel their places of power are threatened. Or they want legitimacy for their lifestyles. The types of desires and actions Jude highlights in this letter are fueled by sin and pride and run counter to God’s plan of holiness for us. When sin is left unchecked, unforgiven, and uncleansed, it develops such ungodly desires. The result is ruin in people’s lives and relationships. The church must be aware of this. If this is a problem in our lives, we must seek God’s forgiveness, healing, and cleansing.