April 20, 2015

The Rich Man’s Question – Part 7 of 7 – Eternal Life

Mark 10:17-31 [Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 10:25-37, 18:18-30]

The young rich man spent his life perfecting his religious duties.  However, he understood the Greek concept of eternal life, not the Hebrew.  He thought he needed to earn the reward for his soul.  His devotion to religion distorted his understanding of God and hardened his heart.

Eternal life was, and is, an inheritance.  We accept it or deny it, but we cannot buy eternity.  According to Jesus, believers “enter life” as we start to live in God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness (Matthew 19:17; Luke 10:28; John 5:24, 8:51).  Our spirit dies when we do not follow His ways (Ezekiel 18:31; Romans 8:6).  Our daily choices determine the outcome at death (Matthew 10:42; Mark 9:41).  Small responses outweigh cultural theology and are much more important than grandiose gestures.

At the end of the discourse, Jesus resumed His thoughts on the man who walked away.  He said, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” (NIV)  Jesus used the word “many” not “all.”  He did not contrast a saved or condemned condition.  Those who esteem themselves on earth may barely make it into heaven.  But “barely” is accepted.  We are not the judge.

Wealth is not evil.  Contempt for those with wealth is covetous.  Contempt for those without wealth is conceit.  Contempt impedes love.  God judges the heart.

**Does my religion encourage me to let God soften and mold my heart?  Does my religion neglect to teach me how to live a righteous life?  Does it build confidence in the acceptance of God?  Do I trust God to secure my future?

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