“Want to go see an NC State basketball game tomorrow night? “ asked my husband.  “My coworker has some extra tickets. “   “Sure,” I said, and the following evening we headed to the huge PNC Arena.  We climbed the stairs to the second level and began circling the perimeter, looking for the section number printed on our tickets.  The scent of hot pretzels and fries wafted from food carts.  We plodded on and on around the concourse.  It seemed that we must have entered the second level at a spot that was 350 degrees from our desired area.  “Where IS section 213?”  I wondered aloud.

As we turned the final arc, we suddenly came to a dead end where the words “Champions Club” were emblazoned above a beautifully carpeted area.  The realization that our seats were located in a restricted section for generous donors quickly sank in.  I was suddenly thankful that I had decided to dress up a bit.  We approached the uniformed attendant, not quite sure of the protocol.   “Are you members of the Champions Club?” she asked.   “We are tonight!” I responded, handing her our tickets, and without further discussion we effortlessly entered a luxurious world  of cushioned seats, a full buffet, and lounge areas equipped with high-definition TV screens on every wall so you would never miss an important play. 

As I watched the game, I thought about how we had not contributed anything that would merit our inclusion in the Champions Club.  Our entrance into the Club was the result of a free gift.  I realized that this was a hint of what we will experience someday as we approach the gates of heaven.  It might be asked of us, “Is your name written in the book of life? “  “Are you one of those forgiven and redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ? “  At that moment, I will not be listing my good deeds, hoping that the good outweighs the bad, for if heaven could be gained by good works, where would the line be drawn for inclusion or exclusion?  Thankfully, because I believe that Jesus paid the penalty for my sins, I will be able to approach the throne of grace with my hope in Christ alone.  If asked, are you a member of God’s forgiven family?” I will humbly say,  “I am tonight!  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! “