What is the meaning of Jude 1:15? To execute judgment on everyone The verse begins by reminding us that the Lord “comes … to execute judgment on everyone.” This is a sweeping declaration: no one is outside His jurisdiction. Scripture consistently affirms that a final, universal judgment is coming (Acts 17:31; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-15). Because the Judge is holy, His verdicts are perfectly just. For believers, this truth stirs gratitude—our penalty has been borne by Christ (Romans 8:1). For the unrepentant, it is a sober warning that every life will one day be reviewed before a righteous throne. To convict all the ungodly Next, Jude stresses that the purpose of the judgment is “to convict all the ungodly.” “Convict” here is courtroom language: God will present undeniable evidence establishing guilt (Romans 3:19). The term “ungodly” surfaces repeatedly in Jude (vv. 4, 15, 18), underscoring lives lived without reverence for God (Psalm 14:1). While the Spirit now convicts hearts (John 16:8), a day is coming when that inner conviction becomes an unanswerable public verdict. Every ungodly act of wickedness The scope of the evidence is exhaustive: “every ungodly act of wickedness.” Nothing slips through the cracks (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Romans 2:5-6). Each deed that disregards God’s character will be brought to light. For the redeemed, Christ’s finished work covers our record (Colossians 2:14). Yet His Lordship also motivates us to renounce ungodliness and live uprightly as we await His appearing (Titus 2:11-13). Every harsh word spoken against Him Jude adds that even “every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners” will be examined. Jesus taught the same: “I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36-37). Words reveal the heart (Luke 6:45). Scoffing and blasphemy may sound bold now, but each affront to God’s name will one day be confronted (Psalm 73:9; 2 Peter 3:3-7). By contrast, believers are urged to use speech that honors Christ and builds others up (Ephesians 4:29). summary Jude 1:15 paints a solemn yet necessary picture of the Lord’s return: universal judgment, undeniable conviction, meticulous review of every deed, and accountability for every word. These realities magnify God’s holiness and justice, highlight the urgency of repentance, and deepen our gratitude for the saving work of Jesus, who alone can present us “faultless before His glorious presence with great joy” (Jude 1:24). |
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