The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 1:1-7. “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,
2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,
4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our LORD,
5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His Name’s sake,
6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the LORD Jesus Christ.”

According to the dictioonary, a “magnum opus is the greatest or most important work produced by a writer…” That being said, Paul’s Letter to the Romans is without a doubt his magnum opus. And while he would undoubtedly disavow that distinction, conservative Bible scholars throughout the ages have labeled it as such. In his own thinking, however, Paul saw himself as simply a “bond-servant of Christ Jesus.” It is well that we view ourselves no more than that.

Those who have been led according to the Scriptures emphasize Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God. Jesus was a Jewish descendant through the lineage of David, but it was the Holy Spirit who placed Him in the womb of the young girl Mary. Yet, how do we know that Jesus was truly the Son of God? He’s the only one who ever raised Himself from the dead!

Further, it is through Jesus Christ alone that we have hope of eternal salvation; and it is to us alone that He has committed the proclamation of that salvation. Think of the responsibility of a mere mayoral assistant, or guberinatorial assistant! Yet, our responsibility weighs far more greatly, for we are charged with sharing Him with others! We are to reach Jews and Gentiles with the message of salvation in Jesus Christ!

When Paul cites some Romans as “beloved of God,” he designates them as “saints.” He had spent his time in Rome well, because he had led some residents there to believe in the forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ. That is precisely what you and I are charged to do! When was the last time you spoke to someone about salvation in Jesus Christ? When was the last time you prayed for someone who is living apart from Christ?

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. The tract attached should not take the place of personal conversation; yet when sometimes time is scarce,
or a friend lives far away it can be helpful.

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