DOXOLOGY or BENEDICTION

During the Soul Charge Bible Book Club we discussed the Epistle of Jude. Jude consists of only one chapter, but it is full of guidance that is very relevant today. Some of the areas of discussion included: false teachers within the church, why Christians should contend for the Faith, hating sin and not the sinner, living in God’s love, building up ourselves, and our responsibility to help non-believers.

The book of Jude ends with one of the best-known and most beautiful doxologies:

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen (vs 24-25).”

The doxology led us to a discussion of the difference between a doxology and a benediction. All of us churchgoers are very familiar with the terms and can probably recite Jude’s doxology by heart. Have you ever given any thought to the difference between the two?

There are many doxologies and benedictions in the Bible. Simply stated, the difference between the two is direction. A benediction is a blessing that one asks of God for another. A doxology is a declaration that gives glory or praise to God. A doxology is a praise that goes up to God. A benediction is a blessing that comes down from God. Consider the well-known benediction given by Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:14:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you. Amen.”

Pray doxologies to praise God and benedictions to pray blessings over yourself and others. Read the following verses and identify which ones are doxologies and which are benedictions:

Compare your answers to the Soul Charge Bible Book Club reading guide for Jude located at https://soulcharge.net/wp/documentlibrary/.

Until we meet again, I pray that: “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”