(Jude 1)…..Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.” Jude is of the same group who would identify themselves as the “called” of Christ. The same is true for us who believe on Jesus Christ for our salvation. We have been called by God…..
- It is heavenly – (Hebrews 3:1)
- It is Holy – (2 Timothy 1:9)
- It is High – (Philippians 3:14)
- It is unchangeable – (Romans 11:29)
This calling was not according to our meritorious works, as we see in (Ephesians 2:8-10). It was according to God’s own purpose and grace before time began that He would call us, not according to works, lest anyone should boast, but instead we became God’s chosen and called through the means of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). Our responsibility, having accepted the call, is to make our calling and election sure. To walk worthy of it (Ephesians 4:1). To make it sure, this requires much diligence on our part (2 Peter 1:1-11).
The words “sanctified,” “sanctification” are translated from the Greek word “hagiazo” {hag-ee-ad’-zo}, which means to make holy, to set apart for a special purpose. Therefore, God has set apart for Himself those who have been called. Think about Sanctification that is amazingly the work of God (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Sanctification is the work of Christ (Hebrews 2:11). Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:16) (1 Corinthians 6:11) (2 Thessalonians 2:13) (1 Peter 1:2). It is also the work of the Word of God (John 17:17) (Ephesians 5:26).
Notice, we find these things to be true for us also, reserved comes from the Greek word “tereo” {tay-reh’-o} – which means “to guard (from loss or injury). It is used to describe that which is closely watched and guarded. We are being carefully “guarded” in Christ (John 10:27-29). But does this mean that it is impossible to backslide? Do we have any personal responsibility? (1 Peter 1:5) (Jude 21).