Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Luke 18:26-27
In chapter 18, Luke wrote of an incident that happened which sparked an interesting conversation. Verse 18 says;
Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
This man was a law-abiding person who kept all the commandments. So in his mind, he did everything God required of him to get saved.
Since however, he recognized Jesus as a Teacher, he wanted to make sure that he was going to heaven.
Jesus told him, you’ve done very well, but . . .
“There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
That didn’t sit very well with this man. He became very sad, for he was very rich.
Jesus then told his disciples, it is easier for a camel to go through an eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven. Seems to me that no matter how hard you try, that camel just isn’t going to fit through that eye.
The word “rich” is a relative term, so how do we determine who is rich. The poorest people in the United States are richer than most of the people who live in third world countries. Most Americans compare their financial standing with people who have more than they do.
So . . . Who Can Be Saved?
Jesus was saying it is impossible for any of us to get to heaven. If there is a sewing kit close to you, reach in and take out a needle.
Now, focus in, on the eye of that needle. Jesus said, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle”.
You might argue that you aren’t rich. But you are! You’re richer than a lot of people in this world. You and me and everyone else in this world.
Peter turned the conversation in a different direction. He was saying, look what we have done We’ve left our homes to follow you. Jesus didn’t pat Peter on the back and say “I’m really proud of you, good job.” But he didn’t dismiss what he said either.
Jesus built upon it. He said, Yes, and I assure you that everyone who has given up. . . Then He lists some things that we can give up to follow Him. You can read this story and the whole 18th chapter here.
Let’s hear exactly what Jesus was saying in this portion of scripture. He told the young rich ruler to give up his riches. He told Peter for the kingdom of God’s sake it was good what he gave up to follow Him.
But in reality, it has nothing to do with money, homes, or family. To be saved has everything to do with commitment.
What are you willing to do, willing to give up to be totally committed to following Jesus? When it comes to eternal life, we can’t work for it, we can’t buy it, and we can’t be good enough to obtain it.
Everyone Can Experience Salvation!
Let me tell you who in the world can be saved. Everyone! Because the God of impossibilities made it possible for us to spend eternity with Him.
Lord, thank you for loving the world so much that you sent your only Son to die on the cross. Then He arose from the grave making a way for our sins to be forgiven. You turned the impossibility of getting to heaven into a possibility for each of us.
You can check out a related post called Neither Wealth Nor Works Will Get Anyone To Heaven
Check out these related posts on getting you life right with God
- How To Be A Remnant Of God
- Jesus Is The Ultimate Sacrifice For All Eternity
- Receiving Salvation In The Lord Is Made Easy
- An Invitation To Salvation Found In Isaiah
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