What does Jude 21 mean?

Question

Jude 21 says,
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

what does this mean? How can you "keep" yourself in Gods love if Romans 8:35 says that nothing can seperate us from Gods love? That dosen't make sense to me.

Shane,
I think that only applies to people who have never been saved to begin with.
thanks for answering though.

spiritro...

That verse says that nothing can separate you from Gods love. If what you say is right, then you would have to be more powerful than God to undo what He did on the cross. Nothing can separate you from God's love.(that includes you, yourself.)

Answer 1

Factually it is impossible to lose salvation (1 John 5:13). So nothing can separate us from His love.

But if your life is dominated by false doctrines (not including a false gospel of course, which makes someone unsaved: Galatians 1:6-9), you may find difficulties.

Answer 2

God wants "none to perish" and will always be "knocking on the door" to your heart for you to open it. God's Mercy is a free gift, but you have to ASK for it! This God thing is not a one-way street with God in control. You are an active participant in the "relationship" and it takes your participation to make it all work.
We are sinners and backsliders and need the continual reinforcement of God's handiwork on and in our lives to stay on track.
Keep yourself always reaching out for the love of God for you know when you sin, God will not be there. You need to ASK Him back in each and every day.
Ever had a friendship with someone that you never talked to? Doesn't work real good.

Answer 3

Bro, get yourself a Strong's Concordance (for that matter, you can download a KJV with Strong's included for free from E-Sword). It's the cheapest and most powerful study tool available, and it can do wonders for getting insights into the original Hebrew, Chaldean or Greek.

I'll spare you the lengthy discourse on that word "tereo," but think in terms of "keeping watch or keeping focused on" the love of God.

One possible implication would be: the more secure you feel in His love, the easier it is for you to give love.

Answer 4

Its always best to post a few scriptures before and after the one you are questioning. This will keep everything in context. Basically, we are being told to continue to walk in love with those around us, showing mercy to those who corrupt scriptures and the faith with false doctrines, those who mock us and God, those who are worldly minded and seemingly reject godliness. We are to show these people love and mercy as we will expect the Father to do for us at the time of salvation. This passage is not about Gods love for us but rather our love and ability to show love to mankind in spite of their wrong doings. Will we show mercy because we expect to receive mercy? Will you exchange love for hate as Jesus did from the cross on Calvary? This is what Jude 1:21 is dealing with in a nutshell.


Jude 1:17 But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.

Answer 5

Those who read and practise ungodly lusts causing divisions amongst those who follow the path of God and those who pray before battle of death that their love for Jesus and his father's internal spirit will never separate in death against those who ridicule the faithful. United in strength and wisdom, love and affection for their brothers and sisters of the God almighty resting in the heavens above there after.

So how does that sound for an agnostic cosmos alien.

Answer 6

The new testament, is referring to anointed Christians, as that were anointed with holy spirit.

Keeping yourself in the love of God means to continue living a life of loving conduct because of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The other verse is a reminder that because of the severe persecution, it was an encouragement to them at that time. Both scriptures actually point to these anointed Christians that they have a promise to be in heaven with God and with Jesus as spirit persons.

Answer 7

John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

Answer 8

Because you yourself CAN separate yourself from God's love.

Romans is used to justify the false 'once saved always saved' theory but that is not what it means.

Answer 9

Gods salvation cannot be broken but we still have the freewill to fall back into our old ways,its not our salvation thats at stake here it's our spiritual growth and walk with God that suffers,as with any relationship,if we neglect it.

Answer 10

Jude was talking to converted Jews. In Romans Paul was talking to Christians. They thought differently and had vastly different religious backgrounds.
Context is king in Bible study.......if you do not know who is talking and to whom.....you will get the wrong message, and it will be confusing.