In Ghana, BECE is the first standardized national basic education examination written by students in their third year at the Junior High School level. This examination receives serious attention from students, parents, and schools because it largely determines the academic future of the candidates. No wonder many are tempted to engage in examination malpractices just to pass.

Those who attempt to justify such misconducts often argue that the examination system is unfair. How can the same examination test a child who studied in a well-structured air-conditioned school and another who has studied under trees all his life? A person learns very early in life that life is not fair; yet, cheating can never be justified, no matter the circumstances.

Perhaps the only “examination malpractice” that can be justified is the Christian’s BECE, where Grace writes for everyone. The pass mark to enter Heaven is a perfect 100% score (Matt. 5:48), a standard no human being can attain on his own (Rom. 3:23). In this case, Christ has already written the examination once and for all, and He obtained the perfect score (1 Pet. 3:18). Afterwards, He imputes His results to everyone who places trust in Him. Since this result is purely by grace, no one has any grounds to boast (Eph. 2:8–9).

However, these grace results teach the Christian to appreciate Christ by doing His will (Tit. 2:11–14). On the other hand, those who claim to believe in Him, yet habitually walk in the desires of the world, are liars (1 John 1:6). This is because faith without works is dead (Jas. 2:26).

Grace, therefore, is not a license to continue in sin; it is God’s undeserved favour that saves the sinner and transforms the saved. Christ did not merely help us pass Heaven’s examination—He became our perfect righteousness before God. The proper response to such grace is not careless living, but grateful obedience.

If you wish to receive Christ perfect score to secure your soul, you must believe in Him (Rom. 10:10), repent of your sins (Acts 2:38), confess your faith (Romans 10:10), be baptized (Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21), be added to His church (Acts 2:47), and continue walking in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).

Enjoy the grace of God. Amen.