13th January 2026

13th January 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Jude) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


What was it that moved Jude to write his letter? Obviously every book of the Bible comes from the mouth of  God by the hand and pen of man, but how did the Lord move His followers to write down the inspired Word of God? In Jude’s case he tells us clearly. Jude was eager to write to discuss salvation. He was a saved man writing to a saved people and so he was more than willing to pen a letter that focused on the wonders of the salvation shared by Christians throughout the world. Such a topic never tires and Christians should always be delighted to speak in depth about the Gospel and the salvation that Christ has won for us.


Jude described our salvation as "common" (v3) which can sometimes be used by us to describe something or someone beneath us. Nevertheless, Jude's description of our "common salvation" is not an insult, rather he was accurately describing the salvation which Christ won for all of His people. There's something extraordinary in that. Consider for a moment that we find ourselves in 2026 as men and women saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. The Gospel we have believed is not new and it did not start with the arrival of Jesus.


As Reformed Christians we believe in something called the Covenant of Redemption which is an eternal covenant between the three persons of the Trinity. The Father chose a people for the Son, the Son promised to come die for those people and the Spirit in time would draw those people to Jesus. I think we see the Covenant of Redemption in John 6v44 where Jesus said "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day." The Father gives and draws a people to the Son who will surely raise them at His return.


If anyone has ever been saved it is under these terms and I would argue that the first pair to enjoy the benefits of salvation were none other than Adam and Eve. The first family sinned against God and yet in Genesis 3v21 we see God graciously covering the nakedness of Adam and Eve with garments they did nothing to deserve. It is my belief that we see salvation coming to the house of Adam and from that day to this, all who have been saved have enjoyed this "common" salvation.


I have no idea if Jude wanted to mention Adam and Eve or the Covenant of Redemption but his great desire was to speak to his brothers and sisters about the salvation they shared with the saints of old and the saints yet to come. The Gospel and what Christ has done for us is the grandest subject of all. Necessity may have took Jude in another direction but we shouldn't miss his Gospel focus. Brothers and sisters, delight in the Gospel, think about it and speak much of it. Our common salvation is wonderful indeed.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q70 What is the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
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