Jude … to them that are sanctified.
The apostolic benediction
I. The apostolic benediction. St. Jude has given the blessing in a fuller form than any of his brethren, superadding the benefits of Christian “love” to the other subjects of the holy wish. Observe that in this benediction the apostles follow the same order as in the text--I mean that “mercy” or “grace” is always first. And we may well perceive the absolute necessity of this. “Mercy” must form to us the beginning of every blessing. “Mercy” therefore is the first object of our concern; mercy to forgive; to rescue from perishing; to raise to favour; and to render us at last, by its purifying influence, worthy of the friendship of that gracious Being who freely bestows it. It is here we find the only source of “peace,” which begins in our being reconciled to God; and the wisdom of its commencing there appears from the fact that the mind, with its many fears and hopes, has no ground whereon to rest but in union with God. Peace under the remembrance of sin, for sin is pardoned; under the visitations of adversity, for the paternal favour turns them all to present improvement and endless good; under the solemn views of the future world, for the judgment is to be an acquittal and eternity of blessedness to the children of God. The man who has this Divine tranquillity reigning in his soul will be eager to preserve the unity of kind affection with his brethren. He is in the best state for cultivating the fruits of Christian “love.” He cannot hold fellowship with “the things above” without drawing down “the wisdom” that is as “peaceable and gentle” as it is “pure.”
II. The limitations within which the benediction is here pronounced. The persons on whom exclusively it is pronounced are described by decided traits of character. Every one that hears the gospel is “called.” But it is not upon every one that the “call” produces its effect. As giving an abridged view of what is required in the way of evidence on this subject, the next qualification mentioned may safely be taken. For to be “preserved in Christ Jesus” denotes perseverance in every excellence. It describes at once constancy of religious profession and devotedness of religious obedience, trust in the author of our salvation, and endeavour to resemble Him. Now, consider for what use these views of character are here detailed. They are of use for determining on whom the apostolical benediction was pronounced. Freely as the blessings of the gospel are offered, never is the offer of them to conceal the great distinctions of moral truth and duty. Benedictions are to descend on ground fitted to receive them; otherwise there will spring up no real good. Let no man, therefore, soothe himself with the promises of “mercy” who is conscious that, instead of being “sanctified” under the influence of the gospel, he is living in the wilful practice of sin. (W. Muir, D. D.)
The salutation
I. Characteristics of true believers. These are three, and they include all which pertain to godliness.
1. A Divine act in the soul. The idea of consecration is here intended.
2. Divine guardianship over the soul. We are preserved in the matter of possession--what God has given us, and in the matter of condition--what God has made us.
3. Divine leadership before the soul. This is the call to service, activity, and suffering.
II. The blessings of true believers.
1. God’s mercy to maintain their purity. The very idea of weakness and imperfection is here implied. By the constant supply of grace the saints are kept from falling.
2. God’s peace to maintain their preservation. Commotion, strife, perturbation of soul, invariably lead to loss and disaster.
3. God’s love to inspire their life. (T. Davies, M. A.)
A servant of Christ
1. They who undertake any public employment for Christ must receive a call from Him to be His servants, if with comfort to themselves or benefit to others they will go about His work.
2. Alliance in faith, spiritual relation to Christ, is much dearer and nearer than alliance in flesh.
3. There is a peculiar excellency and worth in the title of servant.
(1) Christ much honours us.
(2) He will assist us in our works.
(3) He will preserve us.
(4) He will provide for us.
(5) He will reward us.
4. We owe to God the duty and demeanour of servants. To serve Him--
(1) Solely.
(2) Obediently.
(3) Heartily.
(4) Cheerfully.
(5) Perpetually.
5. They who expect to persuade others to serve Christ must be servants themselves. (W. Jenkyn, M. A.)
Grace and sanctification
1. Grace whereby we are changed, much excels grace whereby we are only curbed.
2. This sanctification changes not the substance and faculties of soul and body, but only the corruption, disorder, and sinfulness thereof.
3. The people of God even in this life are saints.
4. Holiness cannot be hid.
5. How great the change that is wrought upon a person when God comes with sanctifying grace!
6. The holiness of a sanctified person is not purely negative. We are not content with half happiness, why should we be with half holiness?
7. Sanctification admits no coalition between the new and the old man.
8. As a sanctified person allows no mixtures with grace, so he puts no limits to grace.
9. Outside, superstitious mortification is but a shadow of the true.
10. The Lord estimates His people by the better part, their bent and strain, not their defects.
11. How causelessly the world complains of those who are truly sanctified! (W. Jenkyn, M. A.)
Sanctification and preservation of the saints
All former blessings without this is to small purpose, in that God not only calleth us, but sanctifieth us, and not only so, but also reserveth us in Christ Jesus. This maketh up the measure of our joy till the bushel run over. So Paul told the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:8). This is the anchor of our hope, that God preserveth us for ever. Our life is like a ship in the sea, beaten with wind, tossed with waves, and were it not that Christ is in this ship, we were like to sink. (S. Otes.)