"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." Ephesians 2:8,9 NLT
On Sunday, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), track and field's world governing body, announced new qualifying standards for track and field athletes and marathoners. Before, athletes simply needed to run a qualifying standard time and secure selection from their national governing body—USA Track & Field (USATF) in the case of the U.S.—to earn their place at the Olympic Games. But, for the first time, world rankings will now be part of the criteria for running, with the bar set much higher for those wishing to qualify via time alone. Needless to say, many athletes were not happy about it and used social media to criticize the changes.
And you know, in a world where what it takes to qualify, or be entitled to a particular benefit or privilege by fulfilling a necessary condition, for something is always changing, isn't it nice to know that God's standards never change? The moment you and I believed in Him, God saved us by his grace and we became qualified and entitled to enter heaven. And this salvation was granted only because we believed and not as "a reward for the good things we have done” or could ever do.
So if you have already placed your trust in Jesus, count your blessings my friend. You are qualified to enter into the greatest event of all time... eternal life with Christ. But if you haven't, won't you consider doing it right now?
Heavenly Father, thank You for making the standard to qualify for entry into heaven so clear and never-changing. We simply need to believe in and place our trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior to gain salvation and eternal life. I pray that anyone reading this right now that hasn't made you Lord of their life would do so at this very moment by saying, "Lord I accept You into my heart. I believe that You died on the cross to save me and I confess my sins and ask for forgiveness." It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
You never change - Austin Stone
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