The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 2:13-16, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,

14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.

15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.

16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-slaves of God.”

The true history of the United States reveals that people from throughout the world left their home countries to settle here because here they had freedom. Yet, even those early settlers and those who subsequently authored the Constitution, found

that freedom is never totally free. There are necessary laws that serve as boundaries, assuring that one’s “freedom” does not ignore and override the freedom of others.

Peter understood that human institutions were necessary. He also understood that the LORD was infinitely superior to all human institutions. Therefore, Christians were never to be antinomian, against the law. Further, if every governmental

official (local, state, and national) were submissive to the LORD, evildoers would be punished and the obedient would be

praised. It is ever and always the LORD’s desire that all men everywhere live correctly and in peace. Even when others do

not live as they ought, the legally obedient lives will silence the foolish, who ignore the law and live outside of freedom.

Only those who are bound to the LORD in true salvation can be considered “totally free.” And even they are not free from

their allegiance to the LORD. Peter admonishes us all to “act as free men”; yet, we are not to use our freedom as an excuse for doing wrong or evil. To say, “I am free in Christ; therefore, I can do whatever I want” turns freedom on its head. I remember so well a teacher saying, “You can do as you please –so long as you please to do right.” She understood Peter quite well. And our entire world would be at peace if every nation subscribed to Peter’s inspired insight regarding freedom.

Join with me in prayer for your nation and for mine. Presidents, Prime Ministers, Leaders, by whatever official designation, need to know and bend their wills to that of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. In that way, we can all live more freely.

“”If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (Jn. 8:36).

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