The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

2 John 1:7-8, “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not

acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may

receive a full reward.”

Do you know people who latch on to whatever comes along? I knew a woman who said,

“Whatever my pastor believes, that’s what I believe.” Well, it’s commendable to have a pastor

in whom one can have confidence, but sometimes that confidence can be overly misplaced. When it is, everything resident in Scripture falls into uncertainty. Years ago, one pastor was overheard to say, “I don’t believe all I hear preached. I don’t believe all I preach.” That’s extremely dangerous, even if it were to have been said in jest.

Faith is far too valuable to be linked with any person other than the LORD Jesus Christ. In his first letter, the Apostle John wrote, “…even now many antichrists have arisen…” (1 Jn. 2:18). John was not speaking of the Antichrist, but of those who resembled him in that they were preaching contrary to Holy Scripture. A whole lot of such men dominate the scene today!

Jesus Himself said, “See to it that you be not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is at hand’; do not go after them” (Lk. 21:8). He cites many things in that same passage as warnings to us. Just be careful. I’m not seeking to discourage your confidence in your pastor; but I am urging you to “fact-check” every pastor and teacher of the Word, myself included.

Why is all of this so important? Read the text above. What does it clearly say? The first reason is that what has been accomplished thus far in the church, might not be destroyed. And the second reason is that believers might not lose their Heavenly reward. The two are inextricably connected.

Some days ago, the President of the United States awarded a Medal of Honor to a soldier for his bravery in saving a life on the field of battle. I can assure you that the soldier did not have that honor in mind when he risked his life to save the life of another. Nevertheless, the medal existed. If money and prestige and the like are so valuable to us on Earth, why would we want to lose what the LORD has as a reward for us in Heaven?

Find the pastor-teacher who loves the LORD and faithfully preaches and teaches His Word! Just remember that you alone are responsible for your belief in what is taught!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom