Jude 25to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Jude had full confidence that his readers could be victorious over sin and live blameless lives because of God’s salvation. It is to him that we give glory, majesty, power, and authority. The sins that condemn and enslave us have a solution found in grace and mercy. God is our Savior (1 Timothy 2:3) who rescues us from the hole of rebellion and alienation that began with Adam and Eve’s disobedience. God’s salvation is mediated through Jesus, because of what he did for us through his death on a cross and his resurrection.
Like verse 4, Jude uses the full description of Jesus. Jesus comes from the Hebrew name “Joshua,” meaning “the Lord saves” (Matthew 1:21). Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew “messiah,” the long-expected king whom the Jews expected to restore and redeem Israel. Lord comes from the Greek word used for respect and was often used for masters, leaders, and the emperor. The combination of these words here and throughout the New Testament indicates Jesus’ sovereignty and the salvation he brings.
Jude attributes four qualities to Jesus. Glory (doxa) is a significant theological word that particularly applies to God. It represents awesomeness, splendor, and transcendence. Jesus is the incarnation of God’s glory and brings this glory to humanity to experience as they are recreated into the lost image of God (John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Majesty (megalōsynē) expresses the preeminence of Jesus (Hebrews 1:3). His resurrection proved his position as Messiah and Lord (Romans 1:4; 11:36). Power (kratos) captures the idea of Jesus’ power as the creative Word, through whom the universe was created (John 1:3) and through whom it is sustained (Colossians 1:16). Authority (exousia) denotes Jesus’ position at the right hand of the throne of God, the highest place of honor and power (1 Peter 4:11; 5:11; Revelation 1: 6; 5:13). The three time references reflect the same idea found in Revelation 1:8. Amen is a fitting way to end such a significant and succinct doxology (Romans 1:25; 2 Peter 3:18).
This powerful passage draws this short letter to a triumphant close. We can live with confidence because we know how things will end. Getting to that point will involve trials and tribulations. With God’s help and our wise choices, we can experience this hope in part now and in full when Jesus comes again. This confidence can strengthen our faith and help us live it out every day in victory. To God be the glory!