Published: July 18, 2008 09:43 pm         

What if God’s grace cost you 100 points?

This week, the subject of grace came up in several discussions. Some people think of grace as the courage or stamina to get through something, and in one sense, it is.

In speaking of the grace of God, it seems Christian believers differ in their concept of it. One friend tells me he does good deeds to build up “grace” for when he needs it. That’s his concept of sowing and reaping. Sow good things. Help others, and good things and help will come to you when you need them.

I see saving grace, however, as favor that can’t be earned. It’s the grace we need to redeem us from a fallen human nature. That kind of redemption calls for a supernatural work that only a God who has the ability to extend unconditional love can give. To me, that is grace. Favor that isn’t deserved.

The day after I had that discussion with a minister friend of mine, I opened a e-mail with a story that goes something like this.

A man died and was bargaining with St. Peter to get into Heaven. The man was told by St. Peter he needed only 100 points to get through the Pearly Gates. For each good thing he had done, the man would be awarded a certain number of points. When — and if — the points totaled 100, he would be granted entrance into eternal happiness.

“OK,” the man said, “I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her. I loved her with all my heart.”

“Great,” said St. Peter. “That’s worth two points.”

“Well,” the man said, a little startled the first deed earned him so little, “I attended church all my life, never missed paying my tithes, gave generous offerings and taught a Sunday school class.”

“That’s wonderful. That’s worth one point,” the saint said, noting the tally on a golden slate.

Taken aback, the man said, “Well, I also started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans.”

“Fantastic! That’s worth two more points. Your score is already up to five. You only need 96 more!” St. Peter exclaimed.

Exasperated, the man yelled, “Five points! At this rate the only way I’ll get into Heaven is by the grace of God!”

“Bingo! You finally figured it out,” St. Peter said. “Go right in. The Lord is expecting you.”

— E-mail:

bdavis@register-herald.com