Jude’s beautiful threefold description of his readers is “those who are called, sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Christ Jesus” (v. 1). This is the blessed state and glorious standing of all the participants in the common salvation found in Christ. What breathtaking beauty is embedded in each descriptor! (For a consideration of the first two terms, please see the two previous posts.)
Preserved. God’s family matters to Him. Christ loves, nourishes, and cherishes His bride. God has invested all of heaven’s spiritual treasures in earthen vessels. Therefore, the Father seeks to protect and preserve His family, and Jesus seeks to protect and preserve His bride. Thus, it is only fitting for the called and sanctified also be described as preserved. They are carefully watched over and guarded.
To ensure spiritual victory, God has outfitted each member of his family with spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-20). With the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit properly worn and used, all the fiery darts of the wicked one can be quenched and all the wiles of the devil can be withstood. You can be more than conquerors through Him who loved you (Romans 8:37), and an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom will be supplied to you (2 Peter 1:11).
The called, sanctified, and preserved’s final invitation will be to a blessed marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). They will be granted to be arrayed in fine linen—clean and bright (Revelation 19:8) and will forever be citizens of the holy Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-10).
Blessed are “those who are called, sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Christ Jesus”!
