Jude’s Closing Doxology

Jude 24-25

Introduction
This is the end of our lesson in the Book of Jude which is commonly called as the “Acts of the Apostates”. Despite of the dangers and warming and exhortations Jude still finds time to praise the Lord. This portion is called doxology.
I. Doxology, what it means

A. “Doxology” means to speak praises. Doxology refers to hymns of praise and worship in general, and to one English hymn in particular which begins with “praise God, from whom all blessings flow.” It also refers to the benediction following a sermon
B. Doxologies are common in Scripture: Usually at the end of an epistle – Rom. 16:25-27 and sometimes in the middle of one – Eph. 3:20-21
C. The format of a doxology is usually in two parts: An address to the one being praised, including reasons for the praise being offered and the expression of praise itself
D. In “Jude’s Closing Doxology”, we find this epistle closing… On a very high note, not in doubt and fear and with a beautiful expression of faith and hope
E. That we might be sure to live with a strong assurance of faith and hope, let’s take a few moments to carefully examine this “expression of praise” preserved for us in this epistle

II. The Person to whom praise is ascribed (24-25a)

A. “Now unto Him who is able … “to keep you from falling” . That God is in view is evident from verse 25

B. But the emphasis appears to be on His ability to keep us from “falling”. The phrase “to keep from falling” means here to preserve from falling into sin, from yielding to temptation. It speaks of God’s omnipotence. Christ is able to save them to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25). We need keeping from falling, in the sense of preservation from: Error of doctrine, Error of spirit: such as want of love, or want of discernment, or unbelief, or credulity, or fanaticism, or conceit. Outward sin. Neglect of duty, ignorance, idleness, backsliding.
C. None but the Lord can keep us from falling. No place guarantees security: the church, the closet, the communion-table — all are invaded by temptation. No rules and regulations will secure us from stumbling. Stereotyped habits may only conceal deadly sins. No experience can eradicate evil, or protect us from it.
D. God’s ability to keep us from stumbling was implied at the very beginning of this epistle – Jude 1 (“preserved in Jesus Christ”) But as we have suggested in previous lessons, our faith must cooperate with God’s power if we are to keep from “falling” – cf. 1 Pe 1:5; 2 Pe 1:5-11. Indeed, we must heed the exhortations given by Jude
himself: “Remember the words spoken before…” – Jude 17, “building yourselves up on your most holy faith” – Jude 20, “praying in the Holy Spirit” – Jude 20 “keep yourselves in the love of God – Jude 21, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” – Jude 21 Be merciful to others
E. And to present you faultless. The word here rendered faultless is the same which is rendered unblameable in Col 1:22. None can stand in those courts who are covered with fault. None can deliver us from former guilt, or keep us from daily faultiness in the future, but the Saviour Himself He can do it as our Saviour. He will do it.
F. Before the presence of his glory. In his own glorious presence; before himself encompassed with glory in heaven. The saints are to be presented there as redeemed and sanctified, and as made worthy by grace to dwell there for ever.
G. With exceeding joy. With the abounding joy that they are redeemed; that they are rescued from sorrow, sin, and death, and that heaven is to be their eternal home. Who now can form an adequate idea of the happiness of that hour?
H. If we continue in faith, heeding such exhortations, we know that God is able to keep us from falling!
I. God’s ability is stressed by Paul in his “doxology” – Eph. 3:20-21

Illustration/Application: Illustration: The Safety Line
A rock climber faces steep cliffs and strong winds, but they climb confidently—not because of their skill alone, but because they are secured to a strong safety line.
Likewise, we face spiritual dangers, yet we are held by Christ. He keeps us from falling and ensures we reach His presence with joy. Our strength isn’t enough, but His is. Trust Him, stay anchored, and walk in faith, knowing He will never let go.

III. “To the only wise GOD…” (Jude 25)
A. His wisdom is part of His ability. (omniscience): By teaching us so that we fall not into sins by ignorance. By warning us: this may be done by our noting the falls of others, or by inward monitions, or by the Word. By providence, affliction, etc., which remove occasions of sinning. By a bitter sense of sin, which makes us dread it as a burnt child dreads the fire. By His Holy Spirit, renewing in us desires after holiness.
B. Our Saviour. God our Saviour is the very meaning of the name “Jesus” (Greek Jesus means Savior) Matt. 1:21. Jude 25 is the only place in this little letter where Jude called our Lord “Saviour.” Peter used this title five times. But Jude opened his letter by reminding his readers of “the common salvation” (Jude 3) that they shared because of their faith in Jesus Christ It is not enough to say that Jesus Christ is “a savior,” or “the Saviour”; we must say that He is “our Saviour – my Saviour.”
C. He is not only our Saviour, but He is “the only wise God.” He can give you the wisdom you need to live your life to the glory of God. God gives wisdom to those who ask Him (James 1:5), provided they are sincerely willing to obey Him. If Christians would seek the wisdom of God in the Word of God, they would not stumble into the traps of the false teachers, but would walk to please the Lord (Col. 1:9-10). Why should we walk in obedience to God’s will? So that Christ might receive the glory!
D. Glory is the sum total of all that God is and all that God does. Everything about Him is glorious!
E. Majesty means “greatness, magnificence.” Greatness of appearance; dignity; grandeur; dignity of aspect of manner; the quality or state of a person or thing which inspires awe or reverence in the beholder. Only God is great. When we praise God, we praise the most magnificent Person in the universe. He is not simply King; He is King of kings! He is not simply Lord; He is Lord of lords!
F. Dominion has to do with God’s sovereignty and rule over all things. The Greek word means “strength, might,” but it carries the idea of complete control over all things.)
G. Power means “authority,” which is the right to use power. All authority belongs to Jesus Christ (Matt 28:18), including authority over the powers of darkness (Eph 1:19-23). As we yield to Him, we share His authority and accomplish His will. The two Greek words translated “power” carry this basic distinction. DUNAMIS most frequently refers to might and ability (Mt. 26:64). It is also translated “mighty works” (Mt. 11:20), “miracle” (Mk. 9:39), “strength” (1Co 15:56), and “mightily” (Col. 1:29). It is frequently used to describe Christ’s sign miracles. EXOUSIA, on the other hand, refers most frequently to authority and to the right to act (Lk. 7:8; 19:17; 20:2; Acts 1:7). It is also translated “authority” (Mt. 7:29; 8:9), “jurisdiction” (Lk. 23:7), “liberty” (1Cor. 8:9), “strength” (Rev. 17:13), and “right to” (Rev. 22:14).
H. What a magnificent doxology this is! Knowing the purpose Jude had in mind when he wrote this letter, this doxology takes on even greater significance. Jude was reminding his readers of the greatness of Jesus Christ. If only they could catch that, they would never be led astray by false teachers. Like the young man who falls in love and marries, and is no longer interested in his old girlfriends, so the believer who keeps himself “in the love of God” (Jude 21), caught up in the glories of the Saviour, will never want to turn to Satan’s substitutes.
I. You don’t have to stumble.
J. If you will remember the Word, build your Christian life in faith, hope, and love, exercise spiritual discernment, and commit yourself to Christ, then He will keep you from stumbling. Be alert!
K. The enemy is subtle and the dangers are great.
L. But the only wise God your Savior will keep you safe and one day present you joyfully in glory!
M. Now and forever, not only now but for eternity
N. With a single word (“amen”, i.e., “so be it”), Jude ends his doxology and the epistle itself

IV. Conclusion:
Jude’s closing doxology is a triumphant declaration of God’s power to preserve His people. Despite the dangers of apostasy, our security is not in ourselves, but in the only wise God, who keeps us from falling and presents us faultless before His glory with exceeding joy.
Let us remain steadfast, building our faith, praying in the Spirit, and keeping ourselves in God’s love. The enemy is subtle, but our Savior is mighty. May our lives echo Jude’s final words:
“To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”