Grading on a Curve

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

The term ‘grading on a curve’ is a method used by teachers on many college campuses today to adjust the scores their students receive on an exam, one way or the other. Though it has its pros and cons, this statistical tool allows the professor to understand how to curve a grade distribution and ultimately, assist their students to strive to do their best. My math teacher used the curved grading system which caused my entire class to compete against each other which I didn’t particularly like, but it did keep me engaged and working hard to improve my grade, nonetheless.

Whether you’re a fan or not of the Bell Curve in school, a lot of people use this rationale when it comes to their spiritual lives whether they know it or not. They mistakenly assume that God grades on a curve based on how good they are and often compare their ‘petty’ sin to other Christians they know who’ve sinned a lot worse than they, in their opinion.

In God’s economy, there are only two grades: pass or fail. Since God’s standard is perfect, there are only two options: a holy God and imperfect people. Even one small sin disqualifies us from the holiness of God. The Bible is clear in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” so we are all on equal ground, in need of a Savior to “cleanse us from all unrighteousness” and “present us faultless before the throne.”

How good does a person have to be in order to make it into the presence of God? Well, based on the Scriptures, as good as God is which we will never be able to attain on our own. That’s why God sent Jesus to pay the price for our sin giving us His righteousness so that when God looks at us, He sees Jesus. We get a passing grade because of Christ!

Listen to the sermon series: Salvation

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

As I reflect on this summer, I’m grateful for the opportunity to worship with brothers and sisters around the world. In June, I preached at a church in South Korea commemorating God’s goodness and faithfulness in that country since Billy Graham’s historic crusade there 50 years ago. In July, Dee and I joined our sister church in Santander, Spain which was a time of refreshment and renewal. In August, I was back home preaching at New Life Community Church with dear friends. Three different countries but the same Spirit of God moving powerfully among people in different cultures and languages. He’s the God of the nations!