Common?​

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by David G. Rose

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     While reading in the New Testament book of Jude, my thoughts were arrested in Jude 3 KJV, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation.” The NLT reads, “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share.”

     Calling it a “common salvation,” seemed to understate or undervalue the salvation that Christ purchased for us on the Cross. As it says in 1 Peter 1:7 NKJV, “That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

     The Greek word that Jude used for common was Koinos which means “belonging to several.” It was also used in Acts 2:44 when Luke revealed that the disciples had all things in common. So the best definition for “common” is that which belongs to or is free to all.

     The salvation is common because it comes from a common source. It originated in the heart of God for a lost world. John 3:16 KJV, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Further, this salvation was secured for us through the work of Christ on the Cross.

     The salvation is common because it is provided for all common classes of people. It crosses every border of nations, race, gender, education, and economic status. If you are a human soul, Jesus died for you and His salvation is His free gift. (Romans 6:23)

     The salvation is common because it eradicates our common problem: sin. Romans 3:23 KJV, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” We all suffer from this common problem of sin. We need the Saviors common salvation to bring us into fellowship with God.

     The salvation is common because it is the common theme of scripture from Genesis to Revelation. It took hundreds of years to write the books of the Bible, but each one speaks of salvation. In the Old Testament, God is seen as Savior and Redeemer of His people. Each of these references foreshadow the salvation that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 

     Now what? As we conclude this brief study, let us return to the challenge given to us in Jude 3 KJV, “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.”

     We are to earnestly contend (fight, take a stand) for the faith. Common people sharing a common message of a common salvation for common people. 

Next week: The Same
 

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