In the last post of the Jude series, we looked at the profile of a false teacher. This week we will look at two verses that explain why false teachers will face judgment at the end of time. Jude 1:14-16 TLV “It was also about these people that Enoch, the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord came with myriads of His kedoshim, ¹⁵ to execute judgment against all. He will convict all the ungodly for all their ungodly deeds that they have done in an ungodly way, and for all of the harsh things ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” ¹⁶ These are bellyaching grumblers, following after their own desires. Their mouth speaks grandiose things, showing favoritism for the sake of gain.”

This reference to Enoch is not found in Scripture but is a historical record in the book of First Enoch, which is why Jude was able to refer to it. Some false books attempt to cast doubt on the validity of Scripture, but First Enoch is not in that category. The historian Josephus also references the book, which lends to its credibility.

Sometimes we get upset because evildoers and false teachers get away with things we know they shouldn’t. David answers that frustration in Psalm 37:1-2 TLV “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of them who do wrong. ² For like the grass they soon wither and fade like a green herb.” False teachers, and even me and you may get away with things on earth, but Scripture makes it clear, we will all face judgment.

Those who are ungodly and practice ungodly deeds in ungodly ways will one day face the Judgement of God. They will be judged for what they did and even what they said. Jesus said, in Matthew 12:36, that we would give an account for every idle word we speak. The term idle is defined as worthless and non-life-giving. This is something we should all seriously consider. The judgment of God is not something we should take lightly.

Who are the ungodly? The Vine’s dictionary says it is “those who are without reverence to God. Not merely irreligious, but acting in contention of God’s demands.” When you live without reverence, it is a given that you would also do sinful deeds, disregarding the commands of God. False teachers love to equate holiness with legalism to give the child of God an out. When we label everything as legalism, we can be assured we are acting without reverence, and we will give an account for that. The false teacher’s condemnation is inevitable, but you don’t have to follow in their path. You can walk away from false teaching and commit yourself wholly to God.

Just as the Israelites complained against Moses and died in the wilderness, so is the fate of those who complain against God in every generation. While you may not physically die early, your dreams will die, and you will live a life without purpose. Or you can be like Caleb, who wholly followed the Lord. He was as strong at eighty as he was at age forty, and as an older man, he took the mountain and possessed his inheritance. So don’t complain about your lot in life; praise God instead. Don’t live after your desires; that’s what false teachers encourage, but their end is not well, and you do not want to partake of that.

Let these verses serve as a warning to you not to follow a false teacher. Don’t allow their extraordinary stories and flattering words to pull you away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember the words of Paul, if we or an angel bring you another gospel other than the one we first delivered, let them be cursed. The fate of the false teacher has been sealed, don’t receive that same fate. Examine your heart, study the Scripture, and hold fast to that which is true.