Christ, in the book of Jude

The book of Jude, a brief yet powerful epistle in the New Testament, provides a poignant portrayal of Christ through its emphasis on faith, judgment, and the preservation of believers. Written by Jude, the brother of James and likely the half-brother of Jesus, this letter addresses urgent concerns regarding false teachers infiltrating the Christian community. Though Jude does not offer a detailed theological discourse on Christ, the epistle encapsulates Christ’s authority, role as judge, and protector of the faithful.

Christ as the Authoritative Lord:

Jude begins by introducing himself as a servant of Jesus Christ (Jude 1:1). This introduction sets the tone for the entire letter, emphasizing Christ's authority and lordship. The frequent references to “our Lord Jesus Christ” throughout the letter underscore His divine authority and preeminence. Jude’s call for believers to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3) underscores the foundational role of Christ’s teachings in the Christian faith, highlighting the necessity of adhering to the true doctrine centered on Christ.

Christ as Judge and Executor of Judgment:

A significant theme in Jude is the impending judgment on false teachers and ungodly individuals. Jude draws on various Old Testament examples to illustrate God’s judgment, such as the punishment of the unbelieving Israelites, the fallen angels, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Jude 1:5-7). These examples serve as a backdrop to the warning that Christ, too, will execute judgment on the ungodly. Jude explicitly mentions “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone” (Jude 1:14-15). This portrayal of Christ as judge echoes other New Testament writings and affirms His role in executing divine justice.

Christ as the Preserver of Believers:

While warning against false teachers, Jude reassures the believers of their security in Christ. He opens the letter by addressing those who are “called, loved by God the Father, and kept by Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:1). This assurance of being kept by Christ provides comfort and stability amid the threat of false teachings. Jude’s closing doxology further reinforces this theme: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy” (Jude 1:24). This emphasizes Christ’s protective and sustaining power, assuring believers of their preservation until the final judgment.

Christ as the Basis for Christian Conduct:

Jude encourages believers to build themselves up in their most holy faith and to keep themselves in God’s love as they wait for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ to bring them to eternal life (Jude 1:20-21). This exhortation centers on a life modeled after Christ’s teachings and rooted in the hope of His mercy. Furthermore, the call to “show mercy to others, mixed with fear” (Jude 1:23) reflects the compassionate and righteous nature of Christ, urging believers to embody these attributes in their conduct.

Conclusion:

The book of Jude, though brief, provides a multifaceted portrayal of Christ. It presents Him as the authoritative Lord, the righteous judge, the preserver of the faithful, and the exemplar of Christian conduct. Through warnings, exhortations, and reassurances, Jude underscores the centrality of Christ in the life of believers, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith and vigilant against false teachings. The epistle encapsulates the essence of Christ’s role and character, offering a compelling reminder of His enduring presence and power in the Christian journey.