NASB
(New American Standard Bible)
keep yourselves in the love of God,
waiting anxiously for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
waiting anxiously for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
NLT
(New Living Translation)
and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who will bring you eternal life.
In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
who will bring you eternal life.
In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.
Jude is giving us more tips on how to deal with apostasy in the Church. Have a look back at verse 20 to fully understand the context of this verse.
You may want to dig in and draw your own conclusions
- keep yourselves in the love of God - Jude isn't saying make ourselves lovable to God. He already loves us, in spite of our failings. Jude is telling to remain in His love by not separating ourselves from that love. We keep ourselves in His love by daily praying, seeking Him, as well as reading His love letter to us, the Bible.
- waiting anxiously - Here is another way to keep ourselves in the love of God. We anxiously await for Jesus' return. Jude uses the Greek word προσδέχομαι prosdéchomai which translates to admit, to expect: the fulfillment of promises.
- the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ - Mercy, or ἔλεος éleos, is the word Jude used to explain divine compassion - whereby at Christ's return to judgment, He will bless true Christians with eternal life.
- eternal life - αἰώνιος aiṓnios, This is the Greek word which means without end, never to cease, everlasting. ζωή zōḗ, is the word for life. Jude uses this Greek word to help us understand he means life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (amon them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.
We believers are called to remain in His love, look forward to His return, and assuredly rest in the knowledge of forever in heaven with Him. Open your Bible and seek Him. Offer up prayers and connect with Him today. Keep your eyes open. The day we see Him is near.
You are so loved.
Share that eternal promise with others today.
What stood out most to you in this verse?
