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A CALL TO ARMS (II)
THURSDAY, APRIL 2
Jude 1-2
Philippians 2:12-13
 
“… work out your
own salvation …”
 
A CALL TO ARMS (II)
 
Notice, in the second place, the emphasis of the description. Sanctified, preserved, called ‒ this is all God’s work; the emphasis is on Him. Surrounded on every side by apostasy and confusion, it is surely a great encouragement to be reminded of God’s infallible work of sanctification, preservation, and calling. At the same time, however, God’s work in us brings with it a responsibility for us. As the apostle Paul puts it, “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you...” (Phil 2:12-13) ‒ we have the responsibility to work out what God has worked in us.
 
So it is here, as well. God has worked to sanctify us, to cleanse us from sin and to set us apart for Himself; now we have the responsibility to lead separated lives and keep ourselves pure. God has promised to preserve us; now we have the responsibility to guard ourselves, to watch and pray, to resist the devil, to flee from temptation. God has called us to salvation and service; now it is our responsibility to remain faithful to that calling, and to fulfil it. We are reminded from the outset that we must learn to recognize not only God’s work in us, but also our consequent responsibility. Everyone who has been saved through the gospel, must be prepared to defend that very gospel.
 
Jude continues his greeting by expressing his prayer that “mercy… and peace, and love, be multiplied” (Jude 2) to his readers. How we need God’s mercy, for “it is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed” (Lam 3:22)! How we need His peace, for it is this that will “keep [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7)! How we need His love, “because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matt 24:12) in these last days.
 
Dear reader, Jude’s call to arms is presented to us as the solemn duty of every Christian. We have been sanctified, preserved, and called by God’s grace and power. We are abundantly assured of His mercy, peace, and love. What further motive or encouragement do you need, O ye who linger far from the battle-front?
 
THOUGHT: Read John 4:34. What is God’s appointment for you?
PRAYER: Father, help me to abide in Thy will.

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