Jesus said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for A CAMEL TO GO THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” But He said, “The things which are impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD.” (Luke 18:24-27)
Jesus told this rich young ruler that he had to sell all he possessed and give to the poor, why did He tell him that? Because the rich young ruler said about the commandments, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” (Luke 18:21) In answer to Jesus’ challenge, the man arrogantly presumed to have kept ALL THE COMMANDS OF THE LAW since his youth, as he says. Clearly, this was a false statement, for no one lives without sinning. The man assumed he had not sinned, which was ignorance and arrogance. Because “ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23)
Since wealth was seen as proof of God’s approval, it was commonly taught by the rabbis that rich people were blessed by God and were, therefore, the most likely candidates for heaven. Jesus destroyed that notion, and along with it, the idea that anyone CAN EARN eternal life.
We cannot earn eternal life because, “the WAGES (what we earn) OF SIN IS DEATH (thanatos: eternal separation from God), but THE GIFT OF GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Life is a gift from God, what we can earn is death!
Simply ask God to FORGIVE YOU of your sins and you’ll receive the GIFT!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham