Scripture Daily

Context No. 3545 of 4322 · Jude

Context · Reflection

Jude 1:17-25: in context

17But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18They said to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.” 19These are those who cause divisions and are sensual, not having the Spirit. 20But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22On some have compassion, making a distinction, 23and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh. 24Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, 25to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Jude gives practical instruction for staying faithful in a time of scoffers and division: build yourselves up in your faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is real, active effort here, building, praying, keeping, and yet it all rests on God. And he adds a compassionate word: have mercy on those who doubt, and snatch others out of the fire.

But the passage soars to its close with one of Scripture's great doxologies: now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to God our Savior, be glory. Here is the balance of the Christian life. We do our part, building ourselves up and keeping in God's love, and yet it is God who is able to keep us from falling and present us blameless at the end. Our security rests finally not in our grip on God but in his sure grip on us.

Do I both do my part, building myself up and keeping in God's love, and rest in the truth that it is God who is able to keep me from stumbling and present me blameless at the end?

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