In Abundance

DEVOTION

JUDE

IN ABUNDANCE

Jude 1-2

1:1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

NIV

An introduction which is mild and affirming for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but precedes that which is not very mild but is affirming the end of both kinds of people, the believer and the un-believer. But first we should look at these three words called, loved and kept. Who are those who are called, loved and kept? Are the only ones who are loved and kept the ones who are called? What does he mean by called? Is that where some of the churches use to define their no free will doctrines? Is that why they teach the only ones who are saved are the ones God calls, and the rest are destined to the flames? If that is so, they simply do not understand the truth about God. All men have been invited by God through the proclamation of the Gospel to obtain eternal life through Jesus Christ is the meaning of the Greek word used here which has been translated as called. We are all called to eternal life through Jesus Christ, and we are all loved by God the father, but there is a distinction about who is kept by Jesus Christ. This would imply that Jesus Christ is able to keep us in the state in which we are. Once we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior he is able to keep us in the state of being saved. Can we walk away? Would this imply eternal salvation no matter what we do? That might appear so, but again that is not the truth. It is through Jesus Christ that we enter into salvation, and only through him. Once we accept him as our Lord and Savior and remain looking to him, he guards our life, keeps Satan away from destroying us. He is our guardian, our protector, our shield, our fortress, our hiding place. The Greek word translated kept implies a guardian not a guard. This letter is to all of us who believe. This letter is for all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, not just those who think they are chosen but for all those who have choose to accept God’s offer of eternal life through Jesus Christ. For us he has affirmed that all his mercy, peace and love is ours and it is in abundance. This is not in a limited amount, metered out a little at a time, whenever we think we need it. His love, mercy and peace is ours in abundance, not just filled to the brim, but overflowing, spilling out all over, more that we can hold. Mercy denotes God’s action toward us sinners, Peace denotes the tranquil state of our soul assured of our salvation through Christ, and so we fear nothing from God and we are completely content with our earthly lot, of whatever sort that is. And of course love is that Agape love feast love that God has for us, that benevolent love. How powerful is all that and we have it in abundance.