THE MIRACLE OF SALVATION

One of the great stories we can read in the Bible is found in Matt 19:16-30, (also Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23).

Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" 17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" 20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect (complete), go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Much attention is given to the rich young man that asked Jesus what he must do to be saved. Jesus’ response was completely correct according to the Law of Moses at the time. The young man's response was that he had kept the law. However, when Jesus addressed the heart issue of ownership, the young man failed the test. What was this test? The question was not what the young man owned; the real question was what owned the young man? By his response we see that riches owned him. But, was this the end of the story? No, because Jesus goes on to address even a bigger issue with His disciples starting in verse 23.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, 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." 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" 28 So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first. NKJV

Jesus now talking to His disciples, tells them how hard it is for a rich man to enter heaven. However, His disciples became greatly astonished. The word greatly comes from the Greek word sphodra (sfod'-rah) and it describes a violent, vehement or high degree, of response. The word astonished denote someone suddenly thrown into a position of surprise or fear. Jesus’ disciples were thrown into a violent state of shock. Why? Because Peter speaking for all the disciples, thought that they had done all the right things to get into heaven. They had left all. However, when Jesus compares salvation to a camel passing through the eye of a needle, they asked, “who then can be saved”? The truth is they were still believing that their works would guarantee their salvation, just as the young man did. It was now that Jesus was bringing the truth of God’s plan to the forefront. Salvation would only come by a miracle of God. A miracle so great that it would even exceed putting a camel through the eye of a needle. However, if that is what it would have required, Jesus said, “with men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible”. Our salvation is not by our works, it is only made possible by a miracle of God, the death, burial and resurrection of God’s own son, Jesus Christ. And those that believe in Him shall not be disappointed!

Blessings to all,

In His Service,

Dr. Rod and Maggie