The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Jude 1:3-4, “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.
4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Although he didn’t know it, what Jude describes in these two verses above, solved my dilemma this very morning! Another serious situation crowded my mind; yet, after some mental wrestling, I resigned my wishes in favor of this tiny book of Jude.

Jude was one of the half-brothers of our LORD Jesus Christ. And it is his certain assurance that he is being preserved for the LORD’s own purpose. Those of us who know the LORD in salvation are likewise endeavoring to “keep the faith” –stand by His Word– even as we are kept by His love and power! Those who reject His love, reject (by default) His protection and preservation. Jude cites several instances of apostasy and assures us that they are “reserved unto judgment.”

Further, the forsaking of faith in the LORD Jesus Christ leads to the deterioration of human character, demonstrated in numerous immoralities (vv. 8-19). Apostasy always commences small (corrupt thoughts, impatience, boastfulness, mocking spirit), but self-graduates into false religion and open repudiation of revealed truth! Is it any wonder why Jude cries out for all to “keep the faith”?

The LORD is able to secure even the weakest of believers. The human side of the equation is yieldedness and trust; the Divine side is the rescue and security of the believer. Where do you fit in this Divine Equation? Are you committed by faith to the LORD Jesus Christ? If not, why not?
He gave His life on the Cross providing forgiveness for your sins; then He proved the value of His death by arising from the dead on the third day thereafter. Who else in all of human history ever did that? We all seek out and pattern after someone. It just makes sense to follow the One who knows where He’s going! Yield yourself to Jesus Christ! He loves you and will conquer your sins and death, too! You are in my prayers.

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