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The Football Illustration

Imagine a new honour being offered to top football players. Lets call it the 'The All-Universal Hall of Fame'. The prestige and rewards of being inducted are astronomical. And there is only three requirements and they are easy enough to understand.

First, the player must play consistently for at least five consecutive years.Secondly, they must play error-free ball. Thats right - no errors ever. Thirdly, they must score at least one goal in evey game they play. Just do those three things and you're automatically assured induction into the All-Universal Hall of Fame!

Simple? Yes, and obviously impossible too. This is what the Bible says about trying to earn your way into heaven. Romans 3.23 makes it clear that no matter how hard we try, we'll always fall short of Gods standard. In fact, James 2.10 says 'For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.'

Thank God that what we could never do for ourselves, He has already done for us. Jesus came to earth, and in effect, played error-free ball and scored a goal every game. Like a relief player who is substituted for us, He lived a perfect live on our behalf and then died to pay the penalty for our sins. And all we have to do is receive Him and His gift.