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Jude 1:1 – Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ. Jude was the half-brother of Jesus Christ, and full brother of James. Just like his brothers, Jude didn’t believe in Jesus during his earthly ministry, but came to believe after Jesus rose from the dead. There is a distinction between the “general call” of God -- and the “effective call” of God. Jesus said in Matthew 22:14, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” That is the “general call” of God. The “effective call” of God is the one that converts a sinner to himself. When we understand the effective call of God, we give glory to him for our conversion, and take none of the credit ourselves. God is the one who saves us, and God is the one who keeps us. We must believe and obey, of course, but it is the Father who keeps us for his Son. Jude wrote that believers are “kept for Jesus Christ.” This concept is “preservation.” In Philippians 1:6, Paul reinforced that concept: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” By understanding the doctrine of preservation, we can give all glory to God for keeping us, and take none of the credit ourselves.