The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 Corinthians 7:1, “Therefore, having these promises, beloved,

let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit,

perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

The promises of the LORD are always genuine. They are a

solid rock on which we can rely. We are His beloved; and as

a loving parent always keeps his promise, our LORD keeps

His promises. At the same time, Paul instructs us “to cleanse

ourselves.” This is NOT a “works-for-salvation” cleansing;

rather, it is our abstaining from all forms of evil –things that

work against our spiritual growth in the LORD. Okay, that’s

understandable, but what about this “perfecting holiness”?

How do we do that? We do it simultaneously as we turn

away from the evil that pollutes us. We concentrate on the

purity and holiness of the LORD. We purposely and continuously

focus on the LORD Himself. We literally live in and by His Word!

We call upon Him for strength to make holiness our sole focus!

And all of this is done “in the fear of God.” Fear (?????, phobos)

negatively means dread, terror; but in a positive sense means

respect, reverence. The positive seems better, but knowing

the power of the LORD’s physical and spiritual discipline is

a good reason, too. It’s His two-track plan to keep us running

smoothly on the rails of life. God bless you!

Our prayers are for you, as you become holier with time,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”