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Key Bible Verse: He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins (Ephesians 1:7). Bonus Reading: Romans 3:22-24; 11:6

An old tale tells of a man who died and faced the angel Gabriel at heaven's gates. "Here's how this works," Gabriel explained. "You need 100 points to make it into heaven. Tell me all the good things you've done, and on the basis of how much good there is in each, I'll assign a number of points. When you reach 100 points, you're in."

"Okay," the man said, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."

"That's wonderful," says Gabriel, "that's worth three points."

"Three points?" said the man incredulously. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my money and service."

"Terrific!" said Gabriel, "that's certainly worth a point."

"One point?" said the man, beginning to show a bit of panic. "Well, how about this:

I opened a shelter for the homeless in my city, and fed needy people by the hundreds during holidays."

"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," said the angel.

"Two points?" cried the man in desperation. "At this rate the only way that I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God!"

"Come on in," said Gabriel.

—Bryan Chapell in Holiness by Grace

My Response: How can I guard against reverting to a saved-by-works mindset?

Thought to Apply: Grace is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind. —Matthew Henry

Adapted from Holiness by Grace (Crossway, 2003) by permission.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

I'm blown away, Lord, by your gift of salvation, which I could neither earn nor repay. I'll be forever grateful.

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