Jude 1:21

keep yourselves in the love of God as you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.

Study Bible

keep yourselves
The phrase "keep yourselves" is derived from the Greek word "τηρέω" (tēreō), which means to guard, watch over, or preserve. This implies an active responsibility on the part of believers to maintain their spiritual condition. In the historical context of Jude, the early church faced false teachings and moral decay, necessitating vigilance. The call to "keep" suggests a continuous, intentional effort to remain steadfast in faith, akin to a watchman guarding a city.

in the love of God
The "love of God" here is not merely an emotional state but a profound, covenantal relationship. The Greek word for love, "ἀγάπη" (agapē), signifies selfless, sacrificial love. This love is the foundation of the believer's relationship with God, reflecting His nature and character. Historically, the love of God is demonstrated through His redemptive acts, culminating in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to remain within this sphere of divine love, which provides security and assurance amidst trials.

as you await
The phrase "as you await" comes from the Greek "προσδέχομαι" (prosdechomai), meaning to expect or look forward to. This denotes an attitude of hopeful anticipation. In the early church, there was a strong eschatological expectation, a looking forward to the return of Christ. This waiting is not passive but active, involving preparation and readiness, much like the parable of the wise virgins in Matthew 25.

the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
"Mercy" in this context is "ἔλεος" (eleos) in Greek, emphasizing compassion and kindness. The mercy of Jesus is a central theme in the New Testament, highlighting His role as Savior and Redeemer. Historically, mercy is a key attribute of God, often associated with His covenant faithfulness. The early Christians understood this mercy as both a present reality and a future hope, culminating in salvation and eternal life.

to bring you eternal life
"Eternal life" is translated from the Greek "ζωὴν αἰώνιον" (zōēn aiōnion), referring to life that is both qualitative and unending. It is not merely an extension of temporal existence but a participation in the divine nature. In the scriptural context, eternal life is a gift from God, secured through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, a life in perfect communion with Him. The early church viewed eternal life as the ultimate hope and goal of the Christian journey, a reality that begins now and is fully realized in the age to come.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jude
The author of the epistle, traditionally understood to be Jude, the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. He writes to warn believers against false teachers and to encourage them to remain faithful.

2. God
The central figure in this verse, whose love believers are instructed to remain in. This reflects the relational aspect of faith, emphasizing God's enduring love and mercy.

3. Jesus Christ
Referred to as "our Lord," highlighting His authority and role in providing eternal life through His mercy.

4. Believers
The recipients of Jude's letter, who are encouraged to actively maintain their relationship with God and anticipate Christ's return.

5. Eternal Life
The ultimate promise and hope for believers, which is to be fully realized through the mercy of Jesus Christ.

Teaching Points

Abiding in God's Love
Actively maintain your relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word.

Anticipating Christ's Return
Live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the hope and promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Guarding Against False Teachings
Be vigilant in discerning truth from falsehood, grounding yourself in Scripture to avoid being led astray.

Living in Mercy and Grace
Extend the mercy and grace you have received from Christ to others, reflecting His love in your daily interactions.

Strengthening Community
Encourage and support fellow believers in their faith journey, fostering a community that remains steadfast in God's love.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can you actively "keep yourself in the love of God" in your daily life?

2. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are awaiting the mercy of Jesus Christ with hope and anticipation?

3. How does understanding the original Greek word for "keep" (t?re?) as "to guard" or "to watch over" influence your interpretation of this verse?

4. In what ways can you guard against false teachings and ensure you are grounded in biblical truth?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to remain in God's love and anticipate Christ's return?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 15:9-10
Jesus instructs His disciples to remain in His love by keeping His commandments, similar to Jude's exhortation to keep in the love of God.

Romans 5:5
Discusses how God's love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, reinforcing the idea of abiding in God's love.

Titus 2:13
Speaks of waiting for the blessed hope and the appearing of Jesus Christ, paralleling Jude's call to await Christ's mercy.

1 John 4:16
Emphasizes knowing and relying on the love God has for us, which aligns with Jude's instruction to keep in God's love.