Jesus Christ is referenced a total of ten times by four names (and combinations thereof) in the book of Jude. He is Jesus (Jude 1, 4, 17, 21, 25). He is Christ (Jude 1, 4, 21, 25). He is Lord (Jude 4, 5, 9, 14, 17, 21, 25). He is master (Jude 4). Clearly, Jesus Christ is central to the teachings of Jude.
Jude’s Christology is rich with our Lord’s actions as He rules His creation. These actions may be divided into judgments and mercy. He is the judge of all (Jude 15). Michael the archangel calls on “The Lord” to rebuke one who stood opposed to God’s command (Jude 9). This is no empty threat as Christ has rebellious angels “in eternal bonds under darkness for judgment of the great day” (Jude 6). This judgment will be similar to that inflicted on Sodom and Gomorrah including “eternal fire” (Jude 7). Christ likewise judges mankind. He destroyed those ungodly Israelites who did not believe (Jude 5) and will universally convict the ungodly for both their deeds and the intents of their deeds (Jude 15). He comes with “many thousands” of His angels. His overwhelming forces cannot be stopped as He imposes His judgment.
Christ also shows mercy. Indeed, had not necessity dictated a change of message, a “common salvation” was Jude’s intended book theme (Jude 3). Christ saved the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt (Jude 5). He is also able to guard believers from stumbling (Jude 24). Only by Christ’s work is the believer able to rejoice when viewed as upright by God (Jude 24). It is the Lord’s mercy that produces the believer’s eternal life (Jude 21).
One’s knowledge of Christ demands a response. Some choose to “deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). The choice of unbelief (rejecting Christ’s revealed truth) leads to destruction (Jude 5). True believers choose to emulate His mercy (Jude 21) by showing fearful mercy to those on a trajectory to judgment (Jude 22-23) thereby leading them to Christ’s salvation (Jude 23).
