We are exhorted in the New Testament to become familiar with and hold on tightly to the teachings of Jesus’s apostles. “I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior.” (2 Peter 3:1-2). This was faithfully adhered to in the early church. “They continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42). “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistles.“ (2 Thessalonians 2:15). The apostle Paul instructed Timothy: “Hold fast to the pattern of sound words you have heard from me.“ (2 Timothy 1:13). And this is even more important in these end-times: “exhorting one another (with these teachings), and so much more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25).
Jesus’s brother Jude writes the following: “I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3). The apostle’s doctrine was delivered completely for all time to the saints in the first century AD. They were totally successful in carrying out the commission from their Lord to preach and preserve the gospel of the kingdom. With the help of the Holy Spirit, it was a “fait accompli”. It was complete and lacked absolutely nothing. And nothing is to be added or subtracted.
The only comprehensive source of the complete doctrine of the apostles, the faith “once delivered”, is, of course, our bibles. Any other source is liable to contain error or religious constructs of men. As we see the “Day” approaching, it is more important than ever to follow the Apostles doctrine. This is not a time to drift off into error. Let’s hold fast to the faith and doctrine of the apostles. We do that by reading, studying, and sharing Gods word. Only then can we “earnestly contend” for the Faith. Saints, the Day of the Lord is drawing near.
Maranatha, Jim