“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Though his mind was changed, Jude’s original intent was to write to his readers concerning the common salvation. Due to problems, Jude was compelled to write about “contending for the faith.” What would Jude have written, if these problems had not existed? What would his pen have detailed regarding the common salvation? While we know not for sure what Jude would have written, we do know some things about the common salvation Christians enjoy.
Firstly, it is from a common source. The source of man’s salvation is from the benevolent hand of the Almighty Godhead. “But God commendeth his love toward us…” (Romans 5:8a). “…according to his mercy he saved us…” (Titus 3:5b). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Someone has correctly observed regarding this salvation, “God the Father thought it, God the Son bought it and God the Spirit brought it.”
Secondly, it contains a common summons. All men are invited! This common salvation is for “all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and “every creature” (Mark 16:15). Jesus pleads with all to come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). In fact, God’s heart will break when sinners are eternally lost (2 Peter 3:9). This common salvation is for the “Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). When that great day dawns, no one can truthfully say, “I was not invited,” because Christ calls all men to repent and be saved (Acts 17:30; 1 Timothy 2:4).
Thirdly, it divulges a common subject. From the time of man’s first transgression, God began to reveal His plan for this common salvation (Genesis 3:15). As time continued, God continued to reveal more of His plan of salvation (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 12; Zechariah 13, et al.). Then, when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth the “man” who carried the plan (Galatians 4:4). Finally, that wonderful plan was fully divulged for all humanity to see (Acts 2). One might think of the common subject of the Bible as this: Genesis-Malachi (Promise of salvation), Matthew-John (Person of Salvation), Acts (Prescription of salvation) and Romans-Revelation (Practice of salvation).
Like Jude, oft times, problems distract us from meditating on the joy of our common salvation; that’s the devil’s plan. However, our common salvation is a beautiful blessing for those who truly understand it. Relish, remember and retell the wonderful story that is ours in Christ, the story of the common salvation!
