A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St. Peter meets him at the pearly gates.

St. Peter says, “Here’s how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you’ve done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in.”

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

“That’s wonderful,” says St. Peter, “that’s worth three points!”

“Three points?” he says. “Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service.”

“Terrific!” says St. Peter, “that’s certainly worth a point.”

“One point? WHAT!!!. How about this; I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans.”

“Fantastic, that’s good for two more points, ” he says.

“TWO POINTS!!” the man cries, “At this rate the only way I’ll get into heaven is by the grace of God!”

“Come on in!”


Ephesians 2:9 -- It’s not something you did that you can be proud of. (CEB)


Ephesians 2:8 -- God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. (NLT)


Jerry Bridges once said, "Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need for God's grace."

Never, never, never believe that you can do it on your own but instead thank God for his grace and mercy.