A Rich Young Ruler Rejects Salvation

Last night our Bible lesson was the story of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked, "Good sir, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

Jesus answered by asking him why he called Him good, since no one but God is good. Then He asked the man about some of the Ten Commandments, to which the man replied that he had kept all of them since he was a youth. Jesus had compassion on the man, and told him that he lacked only one thing--to sell all he had, give the proceeds to the poor, and come follow Jesus. This troubled the young man very much; he was very rich, and Jesus had hit on the heart of the problem--his love of money and the things it could buy. The ruler decided this sacrifice was too great, and sorrowfully walked away from Jesus and His disciples.

Jesus then commented to His disciples that it was difficult for a rich man to be saved. The disciples were incredulous, as it was believed in that day that riches could buy one's way into heaven. They asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied that with men it was impossible (no one can earn or buy his way into heaven), "But with God, all things are possible."

Rejoice with me today that we can do nothing to earn our way to heaven, but God in His grace sent His Son to die on the cross in our place, so that all who believe in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). And, this gift is free to all who believe (John 1:12). Preach the gospel to yourself every day!