Mike Focht 3/27/2026
And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness of the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Jude 6-7
Do not make the mistake of thinking that Jude is trying to discuss fallen angels and their ability to engage in sexual sin. Also, please do not make the mistake of thinking that Jude is trying to teach the possibility of losing one’s salvation (which we cannot). There are many other things that people stumble on when reading this peculiar passage. Jude’s references may be somewhat unusual, and the sins in context were clearly sexual in nature, but the main point is obvious. Jude is warning us against prideful and unashamed sin of any type. The example is sexual. The spiritual principle is universal.
The same God who judged these rebellious angels with everlasting chains, and who judged Sodom and Gomorrah because of their prideful sexual immorality, is the same God who lives today. These things are mentioned in the Word of God, not for our speculation, but for our learning. Jude says very clearly that they are set forth as an example. Jude is rebuking any defiant attitude toward sin, especially deviant sexual sin.
The example set by Sodom and Gomorrah should be rejected and not followed. By their rebellious disobedience, they despised God’s patience and love and refused to repent. They refused to repent when heathen kings captured them, when Abraham rescued them, when Melchizedek visited them, when the angels entered their gates, and when Lot left. Instead of surrendering themselves to God, repenting, and changing their ways, they gave themselves over to sin. Jude warns his readers to stay off the path that leads to God’s judgment. All sin will eventually be judged. No one is getting away with anything. All of heaven and earth will come into correct relation to God one way or another.
If we walk with God, we dare not leave Him for anything else. Even if we were to join a host of angels, or an entire city, or a nation of cities, the majority crowd will not save us from the just vengeance of God regarding our sinful actions. Majority opinion doesn’t redeem our sin. If He is forced to, God will deliver the one or two Joshuas and Calebs and judge the rest.
We all need good examples, but from time to time, God knows we need to look at a few bad examples as well. Be alert, heed the bad examples Jude mentions, and watch the path of your feet. We all need to make sure the example we are following is Christ’s, and not merely the majority crowd around us. If we find ourselves straying from God’s good way, we should repent quickly and return to Him. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.