Jude 1:18 Commentary and Bible Study

But here the prophecy of the apostles is summarised, ‘How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time’ – that is, the last age, the period of time between the first and the second comings of Christ – ‘who should walk after their own ungodly (the same word again – irreverent) lusts.In this example they mocked the promise of Christ's personal return to earth at the end of the world. There are many today who walk in this way, but Jude is speaking about apostates, those who bring this teaching into the church. And, yes, we also see such as these in the church today, who deny creation, denying the historical facts of many parts of scripture and denying prophecy as well. What they believe is what their natural sense tells them to believe. What they believe is what it is respectable among worldlings to believe. They have no faith in God's Word. They have no taste for spiritual things. They cannot see the harmony of God's Word. They can scarcely believe in God at all. Their minds are programmed to believe what the world would have to believe. They have no place among God's people.What Peter calls the last days, Jude calls the last time. What period in history do they mean? Do they mean time that is limited to the very last few years of the world? Clearly not, for the things that are to take place in this period have already begun to happen. Both writers use these words to describe what is taking place in their own day.These men and women are mockers but why do they mock? Is it as they pretend, because what is taught in Scripture, what God reveals about himself, is indeed not worthy of their consideration, and their own ideas are so much wiser, more rational, and sensible? Is it because it is unreasonable to expect them to accept what God has said about the end of the world? This is what they would have us believe. They would convince us that everything they believe is grounded on good scientific argument that puts them on a superior footing to simpleminded Christians. They believe what is according to facts; Christians believe what is according to their own religious prejudice. Or do they? Jude gives us the real reason for their unbelief; they walk according to their own lusts. This is what really matters to them, not strong rational argument. They are determined to live as they please and faith in God and obedience to him stands in the way. Rationalism comes afterwards to justify their lusts. It is a smokescreen behind which they hide.