We are now in the exam season when many of our young people – including my daughters – are taking GCSEs, A levels or other exams. Like many others, my girls need to achieve certain grades in order to progress with their career choices. But what about life? What if there is a grade we need to achieve to get into Heaven? The Bible tells us that we have all missed the mark, none of us have achieved the required grade. So what is the pass mark? Perfection – 100%! Now that doesn’t seem fair – I’m a good person, surely 80% would be enough? God isn’t a stern examiner who deliberately sets a standard we can’t reach. He is a loving God who wants to have a relationship with us forever – now and in Heaven when we die. So he has provided a way that we can have that relationship with him – Jesus. Romans chapter 3 verses 23-24 says, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Jesus has given his life so that we can be given the pass mark we need. Verse 22 says, “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.”
Wendy Hill
King’s Lynn Christian Fellowship