Jude 1:1-2

¹ “Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ: ² May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.”

Verse 1: Jude begins by identifying himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. This highlights his relationship with Jesus and his connection to the early Christian community. As believers we also have a similar identity as servants of Christ and part of the family of God. Jude then addresses his letter to those who have been called. In the New Covenant, our calling is not based on our own merit or performance, but it is a result of God’s grace and love. All who believe in Jesus, Jew and Gentile, become God’s chosen. He further emphasizes that we are loved in God the Father. Our love and acceptance by God are not based on our own efforts or worthiness, but on His unconditional love for us. We are secure in His love and nothing can separate us from it (Romans 8:38-39). Jude also mentions that we are kept for Jesus Christ. This speaks to the security of our salvation in Christ. We are not only called and loved, but we are also kept by him. Our salvation is secure because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross. We can have confidence that we are eternally secure in him (John 10:28-29).

Verse 2: Jude concludes his greeting by extending a prayer for mercy, peace, and love to abound in the lives of his readers. As believers, we can experience the fullness of God’s mercy, peace, and love through our union with Christ. These blessings are not earned or achieved through our own efforts, but they are freely given to us by God’s grace.