The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Genesis 15:6, “Then [Abram] believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:2-5, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God.

3 For what does the Scripture say? ‘And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.’

4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due.

5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness…”

“Just do the best you can. God understands.” That’s what a lot of people think. They consider them-selves “religious”; they go to church, the drop some money in the plate, and they congratulate the pastor on his sermon. Is there more to the Christian faith than that?

The first verse quoted above says that “Abram [Abraham] believed in the LORD.” But when Paul encountered some in his day that held to a “good-works salvation,” he raised the question of when Abram was declared righteous. Was he justified before God by his works, or was he justified by faith?

Paul concludes in verse five above that faith and faith alone is how man is reckoned as righteous. One can even believe that God exists and fall short of being declared righteous before God Himself.

God sent His Son, Jesus, to be the Savior of all mankind. Believing in Jesus is the key to being declared “righteous” before God. It’s a matter of commitment, a matter of trust and a willingness to obey His instructions in Scripture.

I came to know Jesus when I was seven years old. I didn’t understand everything at that age, but I

knew that Jesus died on a cross for my sin –and I knew what sin was! I simply told Him in prayer that I was sorry for my sin and asked Him to forgive me and be my LORD and Savior. I know a lot more today than I did away back then, But that prayer was a start. Do you know Him? If you don’t, you need to. If you do, you’ll learn more and more through a daily reading of His Word, the Bible.

And that will enable you to trust Him all the greater. God bless you! You’re on your way!

We pray that you will grow in the grace of God and share Him with others,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”