Now to him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of his glory, without blemish and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now, and forever. Amen.
Jude 24-25 (CSB)

Jude, a brother of James and a leader in the early church, urged believers in his short letter to contend for the one faith in Christ. He warned believers to watch out for the false teachers that were creeping into the church, distorting God’s grace into sensuality and denying Jesus, the Lord and Master (Jude 3-4). Jude detailed the destruction of these evil people and ended with brief instructions for faithful Christ-followers as they await their deliverance at Jesus’ coming. The verses above are Jude’s closing benediction encouraging the brothers and sisters in Christ to trust in and bring praise to God.

Our Father and Creator deserves exaltation at all times and in all ways. He is powerful enough to protect us and provide victory over the stumbling that false teaching and sin causes in our lives. God is our Savior and enables us to stand blameless in the glory of His presence; something that is impossible in our human strength. What joy is ours as we have direct fellowship with our glorious God!

The gift of salvation and blamelessness in his presence is made possible through Jesus, his Son. Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), who offered himself up as the perfect atonement at the cross on behalf of sinners. He is also Lord (one who possesses all authority) and is alive because he rose from the grave. We worship God through Christ, offering him the praise that he deserves. He is worthy of all glory, kingly majesty, dynamic power, and authority for all time (past, present, and future).

As we memorize and meditate on this passage, let us be encouraged and comforted. No amount of suffering or persecution can separate us from the love and grace of our God (see Romans 8). He has saved us from certain destruction and has promised to bring us rejoicing into his presence without blame. Surely, we can persevere and finish our mission in the grace and power of our wonderful Lord and Savior. May his name be praised!