Theologians tell us that one of the rules of interpreting scriptures is to respect the basic rules of English language. Where a passage makes sense, adopt it and do not seek for any esoteric meaning to plain expression. However, it is also good to see how language has evolved over time. A word written hundred years ago may have additional or even totally different meaning today. Take our passage for an example. Jude describes salvation with the word ‘common’. This may be confusing on the surface as it tends to cheapen our salvation. The word here should not be understood in the context of profane or ignoble. How could it be, has God not bought us with the dearest and the costliest? We are redeemed, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the blood of Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God.

People are faced with the same daily struggle for survival; the same struggle to keep their home together; fighting to keep a good health and have a decent living… If the problems of humanity are the same, the solution too must be the same. This solution is found in Jesus Christ, the Son of God

Taking this verse from another translation will give us the much needed light.  “My dear friends, I was doing my best to write to you about the salvation we share in common, when I felt the need of writing at once to encourage you to fight on for the faith which once and for all God has given to his people.” (Jude 3, GNT). So Jude was writing about our shared value. The entire human race can have a share in this salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. Wherever you go, you will discover that people are the same. People are faced with the same daily struggle for survival; the same struggle to keep their home together; fighting to keep a good health and have a decent living. Above all, the plague of sin is ravaging every corner of the globe. If the problems of humanity are the same, the solution too must be the same. This solution is found in Jesus Christ, the Son of God