I prepared for days for this one exam. I put aside less important things so I would be ready. There were instructions I had to follow. I didn’t want to be disqualified before it began or have my results invalidated after I thought I was finished. This was important, so I sacrificed and went without so I could successfully complete the exam. Good thing, because from the moment I arrived, I was grilled as to whether I had followed the guidelines, I had to give the right answer or be turned away. They didn’t want excuses, ask my opinion, or give me a chance to argue any point. Either I did what I was told, or I would have to go home with nothing but the consequences of not being ready. Fortunately, I was allowed to proceed with the exam.
Maybe I should clarify that I was the subject of the exam, and it was taking place in a Medical Clinic. I was sedated and couldn’t answer any more questions until the exam was over. It was rather routine for them, they knew what they were doing, and everyone was efficient and professional. If I had answered all the questions honestly and followed my instructions, it would be yet another routine exam, without complications.
But why did it take so much preparation for me and it was so routine for them? They knew what it took, and they were ready, and it all depended on me for success. They were examining the inside of my body and after all that preparation it should only take twelve minutes for the actual exam. So, what does it take to pass? If they find nothing, then I am healthy; if they find a polyp and remove it, for testing, it may prevent something more serious; and even if they find the worst thing possible (like cancer), I have a better chance of survival, so either way I pass. Preparing for and having the exam means I already passed my test.
There is a final exam we are preparing for, and we had better get that one right! Why? Because it’s important! Paul said, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12 KJV). In Hebrews we are told to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:1-2 KJV). One day we will stand before JESUS CHRIST as either our Savior or our Judge. If we stand before our Savior, He will say “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Mat 25:21 KJV). That’s a Pass!
For those who stand before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST “Many will say…Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mat 7:22-23 KJV). “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev 20:15 KJV). That’s a Fail!
How can I be sure I am prepared? “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV) and JESUS said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6 KJV). So, accept JESUS CHRIST as your Savior and be saved!
Wayne Lance