The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 2:9-11, 16, “There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and

also of the Greek,

10 but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

11 For there is no partiality with God.

16.…according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”

It seems impossible today for anyone to simply do what is right! That’s why evil prevails. Even those who are sworn to hold others accountable for doing wrong, do wrong themselves. It’s like the old addage of “the Fox guarding the chicken house.” And it’s the wink that those in charge of law and order give to wrong doing that exacerbates evil. And the proliferation of evil produces “tribulation and distress for every soul of man…”

The human author of the Letter to the Romans is himself Jewish, yet he makes no distinction regarding those who do evil. “God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.” Secrets are concealed remembrances of both good and bad thoughts and deeds. We sometimes read that “the secret was buried with him in his death.” But, it is not so! God will resurrect and reveal what man deems as “secret,” and Jesus will Himself sit in judgment over all these things.

At the same time, all the news from our passage is not bad. Those who embrace “glory and honor and peace” will be noted, and will escape divine judgment! Honest human judgements are but shadows of Christ Jesus’ coming judgment on all mankind. Still, Christ’s judgment probes much deeper into the intentions of the human soul.

I cleaned my microwave ahead of the lady who cleans my house. I thought I did acceptable work; but she found something I had overlooked. It was my embarrassment, as it will be of those who believe their works will be acceptable to Jesus Christ.

Is there any way to escape Christ’s judgment? Yes, it’s called “repentance.” It’s saying sincerely to God, “I am sorry! I have transgressed Your laws. I have engaged in evil. Please forgive me! I plead for Your strength to enable me to follow You always and forsake all that is unacceptable to You.” He will forgive you. He promises to do so. Believe Him and determine to sin no more. God bless you abundantly!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”