“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,” (Jude 1:24)
Not much is known about Jude. He may have been one of Jesus’ brothers since Jesus had a brother named Jude, but scholars are not sure. The only certainty is that he is one of the apostles who was martyred in Syria. In the introduction of his book, he calls himself the brother of James. Many assume he is talking about James the brother of Jesus, but since he’s not specific, it’s difficult to know because Jude and James were very common names.
Jude calls the believers to come against false teachers who were encouraging immoral behavior and false teachings that denied Jesus. He begins with the judgement that will come to these false teachers. (verses 3-16) Then he encourages the believer to persevere in the teachings of the apostles. Verse 24 above is one of two verses of the doxology in this book.
Jude declares that God is able to keep us from falling. This is the confidence we have that although we, because of our flesh do stumble and fail at times, it’s God, the Almighty Jehovah Who gives us everything we need to continue on with Jesus. “My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand.” (John 10:29) This is the assurance that we have. It’s not a license to be frivolous and careless about our weaknesses in the flesh. Instead, we are grateful for God’s mercy and grace in our lives to continue in persevering in God’s Will and purposes.
He’s given us a way to restore fellowship with God. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:8-9) Of course all of our sins, past, present and future were forgiven by the sacrifice of the cross. But our struggle with sin continues as the Lord allows it to be exposed so that we can repent of it. We can allow the Holy Spirit to give us the power needed to overcome and become victorious in that area. It’s His grace working in our lives. And His grace continues to change us more and more into the image of Christ. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2Corinthians 3:18) We can trust the Lord’s faithfulness in completing this work in us. He began this good work in us and He will finish it. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Jude continues that God is able to present us faultless before His presence. Pastor Conrad in Mexico always says, “It’s all about God.” And it is! God initiates a fellowship with Him. He is the One Who keeps us in Him. And He is glorified when He presents us spotless. It’s all about Him. It’s all God. It’s all God’s work. We cannot take one iota of glory or credit for any of it because we are not able to do what the Lord does in our lives. It’s all the handiwork of Christ. He is glorified in presenting His church spotless. It’s because of His love for the church, His body. “That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:26-27)
Jude adds “with exceeding joy.” That word that was translated exceeding joy comes from the Greek word “agalliao” and “agan” which means to jump for joy and welcome. The picture this paints may be one we were not expecting. God welcomes us into heaven jumping for joy. Including this phrase, Jude has given us a gift to think that Almighty God is so welcoming and glad, He is jumping for joy at our spotless presentation in heaven.
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