The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Peter 1:3-9, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”

Nothing outside of the LORD Jesus Christ was truly hopeful in the last days of Simon Peter. Yet, if he were at all discouraged, it was virtually impossible to observe it. He speaks of the “living hope” that all born-again people have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an “imperishable” hope that is bequeathed to all true believers.

Further still, it is the true believers who are “protected by the power of God.” They have been spiritually born again and now enjoy the security of the LORD’s protection. Then why are they still subjected to “various trials”? It is simply another proof-test of their faith, as well as that of the LORD’s divine, custodial power. What a Savior we have! Now, live for Him and share Him with those who need Him but have yet to accept Him.

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need,

Until He becomes all that we have.” –Corrie ten Boom