“ . . . to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called,” Jude 1:1
We have introduced the AUTHOR of the this epistle, “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James”. Now we must note the description of the ADDRESSEES, those to whom the epistle is addressed.
They are addressed as those who are: “sanctified by God the Father”, “preserved in Jesus Christ” and “called”.
I believe that these titles refer to the believer’s character starting with their exterior or that visible to men to that which is within their heart and soul. This then is a very full description of the believer.
If would like to have a look at a ‘spiritual x-ray’ of yourself, if you are a Christian, here it is!
I am going to look at this three-fold ‘labelling’ of the Christian in reverse order and start with the reference to their calling.
1. OUR CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE BEGINS WITH A CALL.
So it was in the beginning. “And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” Genesis 3:9. There was a verse of Holy Scripture referred to by Mr Fitton this past sabbath here in church. It was, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17. The Word of God is the vital agent in our conversion! Here is how it works in the sinner’s heart as he is brought to believing and receiving the Lord Jesus.
1. The preaching of God’s Word gives rise to the sinner ‘hearing’ what is said. By nature, girls and boys, we are deaf to God’s voice. “But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments,” Leviticus 26:14. This is man’s natural response to the gospel. Job mentions what the Lord does to ‘deaf’ sinners. “Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,” Job 33:16. Here is the wonderful ‘power’ of the Word of God at work. The Lord not only speaks to deaf sinners but as He speaks a miracle takes place and they are are able to hear! “And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness,” Isaiah 29:18. That is a reference to a future day when the nation of Israel, presently deaf to the gospel, will be made to hear! “Hearing (comes) by the word of God.”
2. But faith follows on after hearing is granted to the sinner. “Faith cometh by hearing.” The sinner is granted the ability to hear and understand what is being said! The Saviour taught in a parable the natural reaction of sinners to the gospel. “And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts,” Mark 4:15. They did not understand it and placed no value on it and were happy for the devil to steal it away! That state can only be changed under the preaching and teaching of the gospel. When hearing is granted then faith is also granted and the troubled sinner acts and believes God’s Word.
Remember, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8. Faith then is the result of that ability to hear and understand the gospel which the Lord works in the sinner’s heart as the gospel is preached.
3. Faith springs up and responds to the voice of the Saviour. “But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know (understand) his voice,” John 10:2-4.
Boys and girls, this how the Lord Jesus gathers ‘His sheep’ to Himself!
He has a chosen people in this world and He calls them to Himself by the gospel. Under the preaching of His Word, there is a stirring of the sinner and an awakening and a responding to the call. The awakened sinner hears and understands the gospel. They see their need of “Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” Acts 20:21, and ACT! As already quoted, “the sheep hear his voice . . . and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.”
These are the people to whom Jude is writing this epistle. Are one of them today? Have you heard the Saviour call and have you responded and followed Him?
May you hear and obey and follow the Saviour from today.