3/6/26

Jude 1:7 NASB95 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

We see in this scripture that the cities around Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed not because of Sodom and Gomorrah but because they indulged in the same sin.

You will not suffer eternal punishment for the sins of others but because of your own sin. The destruction, Jude explains to us serves multiple purposes.

One it punishes the sin. No sin will go unpunished. This is why Jesus went to the cross to take the wages of sin. However, if you die in unbelief or without faith placed in Christ then you have died with the sin of Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, in which case, you will pay the price for that sin.

Two Jude says, it serves as an "example" in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

It shows us the severity of this punishment. Only those who believed and obeyed in faith were spared. The rest experienced the wrath of a raining down of fire.

There is also the sins that God chose to show as an example for the eternal punishment. First is gross immorality. The Greek word ekporneúō means “to live licentiously.” Extramarital Intercourse, and figuratively “to turn aside from God and go after other gods.”

Second is "went after strange flesh." We know the meaning of flesh but the word strange we need to look at. It can mean others of the same kind, male to male or female to female, which it is saying is strange or it can mean others of a different kind as in other than the human kind. Once again it says is strange.

Why would God choose these two sins to use as an example of eternal destruction? I believe it is because of what His scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:18 NASB95 Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.

The punishment of sin is extreme and yet perfectly just. As Christians, we must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to avoid sin, because when we partake in it, we are laying the punishment directly on the one who showed us love by dying in our place.

If you are not a Christian, then know that God desires all to come to Him and for none to perish. Look at the example of Sodom and Gomorrah along with the other cities. Punishment is coming, and it is severe. However, if we go back and look at those who placed their faith in God and were obedient to His word, we see that they were saved. Lot's wife showed her faith wasn't real as she looked back. Real faith seeks to follow in obedience.

Place your real faith in Jesus. Strive to avoid sin. This is only possible with the Holy Spirit.

I pray you are a true follower of Christ.

Love Bro. Scott