LAST WORDS

There was a piece of paper clasped in the hands of Stanley Clark when he was buried several years ago. The piece of paper reads: “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, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever, amen...” My uncle Stanley's decision to be buried with these verses precisely illustrates the intent of Jude's closing words to the church. The only abiding assurances in life and in death are those rooted in the Gospel authored and finished by the Almighty. The glory, majesty, dominion, and authority of our only God and Savior are a surpassing reality unto eternity through Jesus Christ our Lord. In Him alone do we have the forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life for all time and now and forever. Meditations like these inspired Jude to close his letter in a doxology that will be remembered and sung by the church of Jesus Christ until He returns.