READ: Jude 24,25: Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
Jude closes his letter with a glorious doxology (praise of God). The themes he mentions here refer back to the content of his letter: being kept from falling into error and apostasy, living a holy life, and the power and authority of the Lord over His church.
In this praise, Jude wants to take the readers along with him. Let them, despite all they must endure, expect their help from the Lord God and continue to praise Him and show their gratitude. Let them remain vigilant in all things, recognize dangers, and fight against apostasy, but most of all, let them continue to place their trust in the Lord God.
God is addressed as “our Savior,” the Redeemer who will bring His people through everything to eternal salvation.
If He is known in this way, let them also express their firm confidence that God is able to keep them from stumbling. “Stumbling” here means falling into sin and remaining in it, which would cause them to fall away from God. But God will not allow this to happen if they persevere in faith. Let this be a source of comfort and encouragement.
God, in His wisdom and grace, is also able to present them faultless before Him through the atoning work of His Son and the purifying work of the Spirit (Col. 1:22; 2 Pet. 3:14; Rev. 19:8). They will then joyfully behold His glory—first at their death in heaven and later, at the return of Christ, in eternal glory.
Jude’s words are held up as an example for us as well, so that in our struggles and trials as the church, we continue to expect everything from the Lord God for our salvation, and continue to pray, give thanks, praise, and honor Him.
Soli Deo Gloria: to Him be glory and majesty, power and authority, now and for all eternity. Amen—so it is!
Do you feel safe with the Lord?
Sing: Hymn 60: 1,4,5 (1984) / 78:1,4,5 (2014)