Jude 1

Memory Verse

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those called, beloved in God the Father, and kept in Jesus Christ (Jude 1).

Jude begins his letter to the Church with some very strong words that emphasize the grace believer’s position in God the Father and Jesus Christ, as well as the believer’s state of being loved and guarded.

Both Paul and Jude reveal the position the grace believer has in God the Father. In 1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1, Paul mentions this position. In Jude 1:1, Jude follows suit. Although little information is given about this position, we know enough to reasonably conclude that it relates to our time in eternity. Our position in Christ is now the primary emphasis. However, the Church is the Holy of Holies and will be in the presence of God for all eternity. Thus, all three members of the Godhead indwell the believer and have a unique relationship with him.

Jude emphasizes the believer’s security through the words he uses. Those who are called are both in a state of being loved in God the Father and in a state of being kept in Jesus Christ. Both of these conditions are permanent.

Note: The KJV and NKJV use the word “sanctified” instead of “beloved.” The textual support for the use of “sanctified” comes from late manuscripts, primarily from the Byzantine area. “Beloved” is used as in Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, and 2 Thessalonians 2:13, describing the characteristic relationship the saint has with God the Father. In 1 Thessalonians 1:4, our position of beloved is also in God the Father. “Sanctified” is also used in the same manner in Acts 20:32; 26:28, and 1 Corinthians 1:2. Sanctification relates to being set apart in Christ. Sanctified is not used elsewhere in Scripture pertaining to the grace believer’s position in God the Father. Thus, the evidence in the original text and context provides stronger support for our state of being loved in God the Father than for being sanctified in Him.