Questions
I have two questions for you. Seems like an easy enough exam. But each question counts 50% so you can’t miss one and pass. Doesn’t seem fair, but I am making the rules. Our granddaughter, Annie, is taking two final exams Monday and Tuesday this week. She is in nursing school in Arkansas and she indicated that these will be very hard tests. Maybe my two won’t be near as difficult.
Heaven
First question; what man-made things are there in heaven? See, that wasn’t that hard, was it; or was it? At first, I considered not answering the questions in this message, but that didn’t seem fair to make you wait 48 hours. A loss of sleep, consternation, and even embarrassment might be too much for some of you, especially in light of the pandemic. The answer—the nail scars in Jesus’ hands and deep spear mark in his side. Be honest, did you immediately know the answer?
God
Second question might be a little more difficult. Here goes. In light of John 3.16, what three things can God not do? Would I ever love to hear the answers that are pouring out of your mind or your mouth right now! Take all the time you need. And don’t Google it or ask Siri because you won’t find it. Anyway, that would be cheating, and I know you’re above that. Before I provide the answer, look carefully at John 3. 16. What do you see? O, also you were not supposed to skip ahead to the answer. The Holy Spirit is watching you.
1) God cannot love you any more than he already does (For God so loved)
2) God cannot give you any more than he already has (He gave his only begotten Son)
3) God can’t make it any easier for you (That whosoever believes)
Saved by grace
How did you do? And what do these two questions have in common. Everything! John 3.16 is the gospel by which we are saved. And for eternity the wounds will be a witness to his incredible act of love and obedience. There won’t be any room for us to boast or glory in our own works. His work alone on the cross has given us life, abundant and eternal. The scars will be a constant reminder of the grace by which we have been saved.
“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Gal. 6.14 NKJV).
Well, if you happened to have failed this test, be comforted in the fact that Jesus took the test himself and imputed his perfect score to your account, and by grace, you have passed. And can now graduate into his glorious kingdom since I trust you believe the gospel. He actually erased your failing score forever. No one will ever know. What a Savior!