Introduction: Understanding “Our Common Salvation”
Jude 3 begins with a heartfelt reflection: “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you exhorting that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” Although Jude turned his attention to warning against false teachers, his original focus—”our common salvation”—deserves thoughtful consideration. This phrase emphasizes a shared spiritual foundation among believers. But what does this “common salvation” encompass? Let us explore its elements, from our need for redemption to the Savior who provides it, and the shared relationship and destiny it secures for God’s children.
A Common Need for Salvation
The universality of sin is a key theme in Scripture, and it underscores our shared need for salvation. As Paul writes in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No one is exempt from this reality. Sin has created a chasm between humanity and God, leaving every person in need of redemption.
This truth is echoed in John 8:34, where Jesus says, “Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.” Sin enslaves, corrupts, and separates us from the holy God who created us. Recognizing this shared condition is the first step in understanding “our common salvation.” Without acknowledging our need, we cannot appreciate the Savior who came to meet it.
A Common Savior and Redeemer
“Our common salvation” is rooted in a common Savior—Jesus Christ, who alone provides the way to redemption. Paul declares in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.” Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection are the foundation of our salvation.
Peter emphasizes this in 1 Peter 1:18-19: “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” Redemption comes through Christ’s blood, which paid the penalty for our sins and reconciled us to God.
Furthermore, 1 John 2:2 reminds us of the universal scope of Christ’s atonement: “and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus is the Savior for all, offering salvation to anyone who believes in Him.
A Common Way of Salvation
Salvation is accessed through a common path—obedience to the gospel. Acts 2:37-38 provides a clear example: “Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what are we to do?’ Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Repentance and baptism are essential steps in responding to the gospel message.
Jesus Himself outlined the importance of baptism in Mark 16:16: “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.” Baptism represents a turning point in a person’s life, marking their acceptance of Christ’s lordship and their entry into His church. Acts 2:41 confirms this, stating, “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.”
Salvation also requires ongoing faith and obedience. Romans 10:17 declares, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Faith is nurtured through God’s Word and evidenced by a life of submission to His will. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, the way of salvation is narrow: “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
A Common Relationship in God’s Family
Salvation unites believers into a common relationship as children of God. Galatians 3:26-27 explains, “For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Through faith and baptism, we are adopted into God’s family, sharing a bond that transcends earthly divisions.
This relationship carries both privileges and responsibilities. Ephesians 2:19-20 describes the church as a household: “So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” As members of God’s household, believers are called to love, support, and encourage one another.
The “common salvation” also brings unity in worship and service. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, “And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Together, we glorify God and grow in faith, awaiting the fulfillment of His promises.
A Common Destiny in Heaven
“Our common salvation” points to a shared destiny: eternal life with God in heaven. Jesus reassured His disciples in John 14:2-3, “In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” This promise gives believers hope and assurance, even in the face of trials.
Peter describes this destiny as “an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Revelation 22:14 echoes this assurance: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates.” Heaven is the ultimate reward for those who remain faithful to Christ.
Conclusion: Rejoicing in “Our Common Salvation”
“Our common salvation” is a profound gift, shared by all who accept Christ as their Savior. It begins with a shared need for redemption, is made possible by Jesus’ sacrificial death, and is accessed through faith, repentance, and baptism. It unites believers into God’s family and promises an eternal home in heaven.
As we reflect on this salvation, let us be filled with gratitude and resolve to live faithfully. Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12-13 are a fitting reminder: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.” May we cherish the bond we share as recipients of “our common salvation” and seek to draw others into this life-changing relationship with Christ. What a blessed hope it is to be called children of God!
The Simple Gospel 