The Epistle of Jude 22-25

 

 

This is the conclusion of Jude’s short, but powerful epistle.

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.

I don’t think he’s talking about the false teachers. I think he’s talking about those who have been lured away by them, captured by their false teaching and lascivious living. Let’s be honest, “You can believe in Jesus AND live any way you want to. You don’t have to be held back, suppressed by those old-fashioned, legalistic, hateful rules” is much more attractive to the flesh than

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence*, even as the Gentiles which know not God

(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) [*passion for forbidden things]

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 6:17 - 7:1)

So we want to keep ourselves in the love of God and seek to rescue the fallen and wayward.

Jude ends with a doxology. Nearly every book after Acts ends with a doxology, a praise to God. This is beautiful.

24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

He began with, “ye are preserved (kept) by Jesus Christ”, then in the middle of the letter he urges us to “keep yourselves in the love of God”. Now he closes with the focus once again on the Lord who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the Father.

“To the only wise God - He alone who is the fountain of wisdom and knowledge, who alone can teach, who alone has declared the truth; that truth in which ye now stand.

Our Savior - Who has by his blood washed us from our sins, and made us kings and priests unto God the Father.

Be glory - Be ascribed all light, excellence, and splendor.

Majesty - All power, authority, and pre-eminence.

Dominion - All rule and government in the world and in the Church, in earth and in heaven.

And power - All energy and operation to every thing that is wise, great, good, holy, and excellent.

Both now - In the present state of life and things.

And ever - To the end of all states, places, dispensations, and worlds; and to a state which knows no termination, being that Eternity in which this glory, majesty, dominion, and power ineffably and incomprehensibly dwell.

Amen - So let it be, so ought it to be, and so it shall be.”¹

 

Amen!

1 Adam Clarke, commentary on Jude. You can read it here.