Verse 21
Third, we should keep ourselves in the sphere of God’s love (Judges 1:1; Judges 1:6; Judges 1:13; cf. John 15:9; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:39). When we depart from His Word and His will, we erect barriers between ourselves and God thus blocking the free flow of His love to us. We keep ourselves in His love by abiding in Him (John 15:9-10; 1 John 2:28).
"To be conscious of being beloved by God is one of the greatest protections that the believer can possess." [Note: Plummer, 6:662.]
Fourth, we should keep in mind and consciously look forward to the complete realization of our eternal life (cf. 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:29). This will be the greatest manifestation of Jesus Christ’s mercy to us as believers.
". . . the Rapture will be the consummating evidence of His mercy." [Note: Pentecost, p. 923.]
In other words, Jude exhorted his readers to keep their hope in view. We have only a short time to wait and to remain faithful.
"The Christian life is viewed as having an inward look relating to the development of character [Judges 1:20], an upward look relating to communion with God [Judges 1:20-21], and a forward look being consummated in final glorification [Judges 1:21]." [Note: Hiebert, "An Exposition . . . 17-23," p. 362.]
"The picture of the Christian life in terms of ’faith, hope, and love’ (1 Corinthians 13:13) is enriched by the addition of ’praying in the Holy Spirit.’ There is also a carefully formulated reference to the Trinity: the Holy Spirit, the Father, and Jesus Christ." [Note: Idem, Second Peter . . ., p. 286.]
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