(not original copy)

I received your very good letter. It is good to hear that you are standing firm in faith in those things that are not seen but are yet to be revealed. I am also glad that you are working to draw people to Jesus. That is a glorious work, dear Aksel, and a work that will bear fruit for eternity. How empty the world is! Yes, you yourself now understand this.

We are berthed here in Putten at the south end of Kragerøen, near Fredrikstad. There are many old vessels lying at anchor here. Today we received the good news from Karlstad that the negotiations were successful.8 God is good; praise His name forever. The fate of the nations is in His hands.

I’m sure that L. can be won with goodness. Heaping fiery coals on a person’s head will burn up all sorts of things. If he would only give his heart to God, he would get new interests in life. Greet him warmly from me. There is no one here I can talk to, but God is with me and gives me a fullness of grace and peace. We often win the most glorious victories during the worst difficulties.

We are promised tribulation in the world, but peace in Him. God’s peace does not consist of persuasive words of wisdom, but of the power of God. The kingdom of heaven consists of power. Jesus means “Savior,” because He shall save His people from their sins. Christ means “Anointed One.” On earth His name is Jesus, but as the resurrected One, Christ. Under the law He is called Jesus, but having triumphed over sin and death He is called Christ. To know Him as Jesus is to know Him as the One who has saved us from our sins. To know Him as Christ is to know Him as the One who has anointed us with His Spirit and His grace. There are different degrees of salvation, as Father wrote in his last letter. But this fact remains hidden until it is revealed to us. “Without Me,” Jesus says, “you can do nothing.” He possesses all kinds of gifts. Let us ask of Him; let us be won over by Him. Let us reject everything else in order to win His favor.

All the best, dear Aksel, and remain steadfast in the Lord. He will uphold you and give you wisdom in all that is good. He will take away your understanding of things that are evil and grant you senses that are exercised to discern between good and evil.

Your devoted brother, resting in Christ,