THE "SPC" FACTOR

" Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are Sanctified by God the Father, and Preserved in Jesus Christ, and Called" (Jude 1:1).

IT IS GENERALLY CONCEDED that Jude was one of our Lord's four half-brothers (Matt 13:55), being also born of Mary. Although he did not believe on Jesus at the first (John 7:5), he was later brought to faith. His brother James also wrote an Epistle, likewise bearing his own name. It is interesting to observe that neither of them referred to their fleshly relationship to Jesus. James refers to himself as "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1). Jude, on the other hand, identified himself as "the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James." He doubtless did this because of James' recognition as the leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18). Following His resurrection, Jesus also appeared to James prior to His appearance to the Apostles (1 Cor 15:7). Paul referred to James as "the Lord's brother" (Gal 1:19), and classed him with the Apostles Peter and John (Gal 2:9). All of this shows what unusual grace had been bestowed upon James. Jude, therefore, recognizes this situation, putting himself, as it was, under James. This was a most congenial display of a tender and sensitive heart. It is a good example for us all.

JUDE DESCRIBES THE PEOPLE OF GOD in a concise and unique manner. Three views of them are mentioned. All of them are evidence of Divine working. "Sanctified," "preserved," and "called" – the SPC factor. These are experiences common to all who are in Christ Jesus. They represent a manner in which we are to view ourselves.

ALL THREE OF THESE TERMS describe the saints' present condition. Although the blessings themselves were determined long ago, believers are presently enjoying them. This type of language assists us on obtaining a proper view of our state in Christ Jesus.

"SANCTIFIED BY GOD." The word "sanctified" means to set apart, removing from an unacceptable realm and position, and placing in a favorable place and rank. Frequently the saved are referred to as being presently "sanctified" (Acts 20:32; 1 Cor 1:2; 6:11). God has taken a people out of the world for His own use, and according to His own will (Acts 15:14). That sanctifying work is what constitutes them "strangers and pilgrims" in this world (1 Pet 2:11).

"PRESERVED IN CHRIST JESUS." Some translations emphasize being preserved FOR Jesus. "Kept for Jesus Christ" (NASB, RSV), "kept safe for Jesus Christ" (NRSV). The phrase "kept in" confirms that Jesus Himself is the realm of safety. The expression "kept for" emphasizes that we were kept safe when yet outside of Christ, then given to Him when we believed. Both views are correct. There is no spiritual preservation outside of Christ – apart from intimate involvement with Him. Too, it is owing to Divine mercy that we were not consumed before we received Christ (Lam 3:22). Were it not for the Lord, Satan would have destroyed us before we believed, and afterward as well. Divine preservation! It is something for which abundant thanksgiving is to be offered. A prayer for such preservation is found in First Thessalonians 5:23. "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." God alone can preserve "both man and beast" (Psa 36:6).

"AND CALLED." This emphasizes the Divine summons. It was accomplished through the Gospel (2 Thess 2:14), but it was God who called. The "call" is a Divine initiative. More modern translations put the calling before the sanctifying and preserving. There is, however, no changing of the meaning of the text, regardless of the placement of "called." If it is first in the list, the Spirit is identifying the subjects who are sanctified and preserved. That is, the "called" ones are those who are sanctified and kept. If the word is placed last, it reveals who are sanctified and preserved: those who have not yet been called – an explanatory note. But in every case, it was God who made the first move. We called on the name of the Lord (Rom 10:13) because He first called us.

WHAT A BLESSED STATE is occupied by those who are in Christ Jesus! They have been separated from all that is cursed, by the Father Himself. They were kept safe for Jesus before they believed, and they are preserved in Him now that they have believed. They came to the Lord because He called them, and He called them because He wanted them.IF YOU ARE EVER TEMPTED to despair, or to imagine that you have not received much, ponder the SPC factor. Consider who took you out of the world, and who preserved and keeps you. Reflect on the heavenly calling to which you responded. Then, give thanks!

– Given O. Blakely