HOW TO INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to inherit eternal life? This age-old question, posed by a wealthy young man to Jesus, opens up a profound exploration of our relationship with God, our possessions, and our ultimate priorities.

The story of the rich young ruler, found in Luke 18:18-30, serves as a mirror for our own lives, challenging us to examine what truly stands between us and a full commitment to God. This young man seemed to have it all – wealth, power, and a moral lifestyle. He even ran to Jesus and knelt before him, showing a level of enthusiasm and humility that many of us might admire. Yet, despite his apparent advantages, he left his encounter with Jesus sad and unfulfilled.

Why? Because when faced with the ultimate test of faith, he couldn't let go of what he valued most in this world.

Jesus' response to the young man's initial question is both intriguing and revealing: "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone." This statement isn't just a humble deflection; it's a profound truth that cuts to the heart of our human condition. If only God is truly good, what does that say about us? It exposes the fallacy of thinking we can earn our way into God's favor through our own goodness or moral behavior.

The commandments Jesus lists – do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother – are all focused on our relationships with others. But notice what's missing? The tenth commandment: do not covet. This omission is deliberate, as Jesus zeroes in on the young man's true weakness – his attachment to wealth and possessions.

When Jesus tells him to sell everything and give to the poor, He's not establishing a universal rule for salvation. Rather, He's exposing the idol in this man's heart. For this particular individual, wealth had become his god, the thing he trusted in more than the living God.

This leads us to a crucial question: What's your idol? What's the thing in your life that you're hesitant to surrender to God? Is it your possessions, like the rich young ruler? Or perhaps it's your youth, your time, thinking you'll get serious about God "later"? Maybe it's a sense of control or power that you're reluctant to relinquish?

The truth is, we all have our "camels" – those things that seem impossible to fit through the eye of a needle. Jesus uses this vivid metaphor to illustrate how difficult it is for those who trust in wealth (or anything else) to enter the Kingdom of God. It's not about the wealth itself, but about what we're trusting in.

Here's the good news: "What is impossible with man is possible with God." Salvation isn't something we can achieve through our own efforts or goodness. It's a gift of God's grace, received through faith. As Titus 3:3-8 beautifully expresses, it's not based on our righteous deeds, but on God's mercy. He saves us, justifies us, and makes us heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This passage reminds us of our former state – foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures. It's a humbling reminder that none of us can claim moral superiority. We've all fallen short. But it's precisely in recognizing this that we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's kindness and love.

The rich young ruler's story is a cautionary tale about missing out on what truly matters. He went away sad because he couldn't see that what Jesus offered was far greater than what He asked him to give up. Peter and the disciples, on the other hand, had left everything to follow Jesus. And what was Jesus' response? That they would receive many times as much in this present age, and in the age to come, eternal life.

This is the paradox of the Christian life – in giving up everything for Christ, we gain everything that truly matters. The cross is not just a symbol of sacrifice; it's a plus sign, signifying the abundance of life found in Christ.

As we reflect on this story, let's ask ourselves: What's holding us back from fully surrendering to God? Are we, like the rich young ruler, more focused on what we might lose rather than what we stand to gain? Are we trying to earn our way into God's favor through our own goodness, or are we willing to humble ourselves and receive His grace?

Remember, it's possible to look the part of a good, moral person and still miss out on the true life God offers. It's not about external appearances or achievements, but about the state of our hearts. Are we willing to let go of our idols – whether they be wealth, youth, power, or anything else – and trust fully in God?

The invitation of Jesus remains open to each of us today. He's not calling us to a life of deprivation, but to a life of true abundance – abundance of love, purpose, and eternal significance. Yes, following Him may involve challenges and even persecutions, but it also means becoming part of a global family of believers, experiencing God's provision and presence in ways we never imagined.

Don't be like the rich young ruler who went away sad. Instead, choose to confess Jesus as Lord, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and experience the transformative power of salvation. Remember, the prayer doesn't save you – Jesus saves you. But it starts with a willingness to surrender, to let go of whatever is holding you back, and to embrace the incredible life God offers.

What will you choose today? Will you cling to your earthly treasures and miss out on heavenly significance? Or will you open your hands, release your grip on the things of this world, and receive the incomparable riches of knowing and following Christ? The decision is yours, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Choose wisely, for in this choice lies the key to inheriting eternal life.