The short epistle of Jude contains a powerful doxology in verse 24 that speaks to God’s ability to keep believers from falling. This verse says, “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…” (Jude 1:24 ESV). Let’s explore the meaning and significance of this verse.
1. God is powerful and able to keep us from falling
The first thing Jude 24 affirms is that God is powerful and “able to keep you from stumbling.” The word translated “able” here connotes having the power, ability, and resources to accomplish something. Jude is reminding us that God is not lacking in any way – He has supreme power and full ability to keep believers from falling into sin or losing their faith. As the Sovereign Lord of the universe, nothing is too difficult for God (Jeremiah 32:17).
We see God’s power to protect His people throughout Scripture. For example, in John 10:29, Jesus said of believers “and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” Jude wants us to know that God is powerful enough to prevent us from falling away from Him. He can give us strength to stand firm when we are tempted and guard us from the schemes of the devil who wants to draw us into sin and unbelief. As 1 Peter 1:5 says, believers are “shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” If God determines to keep us secure in Him, no power in heaven or earth can reverse it.
2. God keeps us from stumbling
What specifically is God able to do according to Jude 24? He is able to keep believers from “stumbling.” The Greek word used here is aptaistos which means “not stumbling, free from error or failure.” It evokes the picture of someone walking along a treacherous path of sin and temptation, yet remaining upright and unharmed. Through His power, God keeps our feet steady on the right path so that we do not trip, fall into grievous sin, or completely turn away from following Him.
The Bible repeatedly promises that God will sustain true believers and prevent them from totally abandoning the faith. In John 6:39 Jesus said, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:8, “He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And in 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Paul prays, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
Yet, while God promises to keep believers from total apostasy, this does not mean we will never stumble or fall into individual acts of sin. We know that Christians can and do still sin grievously at times. But Jude 24 is speaking to God’s faithfulness to complete the work of salvation He began in every believer. As Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” By His power, God guarantees that all who are truly saved will make it safely home to heaven one day.
3. God will present us blameless before Christ
Jude 24 goes on to describe the ultimate purpose of God keeping believers from falling – “to present you blameless before the presence of His glory.” “Blameless” means free from defect, above reproach or accusation. Even though Christians are sinners who sometimes stumble in this life, God is working to sanctify us and make us holy as Christ is holy (1 Peter 1:14-16). He is bringing us to a place of sinless perfection.
On the day of judgment, because of Christ’s atoning work, God will clothe us in His righteousness so that we stand approved before Him.Colossians 1:22 says “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” What amazing grace, that despite being undeserving sinners, God is at work to make us blameless and beyond accusation before Him!
Through Christ’s redeeming blood, God does not see our sinful hearts but instead sees the perfect righteousness of His Son. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This sinless standing is the foundation of our relationship with God now and for eternity. And one day, when we meet God face to face in glory, we will be fully transformed to match our legal standing – completely holy and blameless before Him.
4. God will present us with great joy
Jude 24 concludes by highlighting the manner in which God will present believers before Himself – “with great joy.” The original language indicates an exceeding, abundant joy on God’s part. Though God hates sin, He delights in His blood-bought children. There will be rejoicing in heaven when those who turned from sin to Christ in repentance and faith are finally made fully righteous. Luke 15 gives us a picture of this through the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin – when the shepherd and the woman find what was lost, they rejoice with overflowing joy.
Zephaniah 3:17 gives us a glimpse of God’s emotions towards His people: “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Revelation 19:7 also describes the future marriage supper of the Lamb like this: “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.” God’s redemption plan that takes sinners and makes them fit for eternal fellowship with Him is a source of great joy and celebration.
5. This truth should lead us to worship and gratitude
As Jude’s original readers faced false teaching threatening to shipwreck their faith, this doxology reminded them that despite hard circumstances, God was still powerful and faithful to keep them secure in Him. Likewise, this truth can encourage believers in any age who feel overwhelmed, reminding us that our Almighty Redeemer is at work on our behalf. As we walk through this fallen world filled with temptation and trials, God is able to keep our feet on the narrow way.
In response to such amazing grace, Jude 25 says the appropriate answer is worship and awe: “to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority.” God keeping us from falling away, despite our weak and sinful hearts, should fill us with praise for His matchless power and love demonstrated in the gospel. This truth should also move us to gratitude that Christ’s blood has secured our blameless standing before God, and will one day bring us to perfection. As 1 Thessalonians 3:13 says, “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” To God alone be the glory!