Of Some..And Others

Jude 22-23
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
KJV
 
Among believers and unbelievers alike there are found two general classes of people who walk contrary to the doctrines of Christ–those who do so ignorantly, not understanding the doctrine aright, and those who do so willfully and intentionally by providing some rational justification for their actions.

And here Jude provides two separate prescriptions for such classes: For the first class, he encourages long-suffering enduring and (non-judgmental) compassion and love which is what may invite such persons to consider their lives in light of God’s truth, doing so “in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:25)”

For the second class, the expression “save with fear” suggests that such believers or unbelievers must be confronted with boldness and truth for their ways. (Though much in contemporary Christianity resists such confrontation, this ought not be the case. For there are a great many people whose deeds will lead them directly into destruction and our failure to confront them boldly—though in many cases will by no means prevent it—will be the kindest act of love they have ever received. (Even as a parent that corrects their children when they have received nothing but praise, adulation and well wishes from others for the very same actions.) For this kind of confrontation will often prove to be what “pull[s] them out of the fire.”

Even so, though they reject and ignore such words, such a confrontation will forever be lodged within their conscience, and with this awareness will Christ remind them on that day. Still further, such a demonstration ought be done so with deep and abiding love for the person, yet not for the “garment spotted by the flesh.” For one’s garment whether clean or unclean, typifies righteousness and unrighteousness of one’s works throughout scripture, and in the case of both unbelievers and (faltering believers) we can only stand before God in the righteousness of Jesus Christ in whom we are created unto good works:

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. (Revelation 19:7)