In the New Testament, the word “faith” is used primarily in two interrelated ways. The faith (Jude 3) is that body of information revealed by God in the New Testament which provides salvation for all who obey its commands. The only fitting response to the faith is faith—i.e. joyful, obedient trust which is fed by the unshakable conviction of Jesus’ identity as the Christ, the Son of God.
In Jude’s exhortation of “building yourselves up on your most holy faith” (v. 20), it would appear he is using “faith” in the second sense—your personal response to the Holy Scriptures revealed by the Holy Spirit via holy men of God. What a lofty vision of the type of faith we can have and ought to pursue.
- A most holy faith is one which is free from doctrinal impurities.
- A most holy faith is one which is unstained by spiritual and moral impurities.
- A most holy faith is one which sees ungodliness, worldliness, materialism, sobriety, righteousness, and godliness in Biblical, black-and-white terms.
- A most holy faith is one which ever seeks to be pure of the stains of fear, doubt, and worry.
- A most holy faith is one which strives to live by a godly spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
- A most holy faith is one which diligently pursues virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love so that spiritual growth and fruitfulness inevitably result.
- A most holy faith is one which loves God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and loves your neighbor as yourself.
A most holy faith is a most worthy pursuit.
