Protected Saints
The coinage “once saved always saved” is helpful for many Christians to keep from slipping into doubt. I’m afraid more often than not, it may be used as a psychological ploy of assurance. But ‘once saved always saved‘ still forces us to analyze if we were ever ‘once saved.’ The short book of Jude highlights this important doctrine of the preservation of God by showing us that Jesus is the keeper of our salvation.
Jude 1:1 “…To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ ”
Called, beloved and kept. Called, is the inward call of the Holy Spirit, or regeneration unto faith. Romans 8:30 says, those whom God predestined, he called. If we have experienced this as believers, it’s usually a ‘marked moment’ in our lives historically. We are also beloved and kept. As a result Jude says his prayer is that (v.2) mercy, grace and love be multiplied unto you.
But notice too, Jude doesn’t leave us without responsibility, he says:
Jude 1:20 “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,” (Jude 1:21) “keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. ”
Build yourselves, keep yourselves. Personal work always accompanies God’s covenant work in our lives. He makes us willing in the time of our salvation. Are you waking up each day willing to serve our saving Father? If you are, it’s an indicator that Jesus is keeping and protecting you as his own.
Jud 1:24 “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy”
Keep you from stumbling, and present you blameless. This is Jesus promised work. In the end, regardless of your accumulation of sins, your life will be marked with his favor, blessing and holiness. You will find yourself sinning less, and obeying more.
Press on dear saint, your Savior will lift up your head as your redemption draws nigh.
