Can Rich People Go To Heaven?
Recent Newcomers Class - Chapman Chapel
The Rich Young Ruler
Pastor Eric preached this past Sunday from Mark 10:17-31, a familiar story with an important question. "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
The man who asked the question was rich, young, and powerful...the complete package. Yet he was still looking for something else. Something even the little children had a few verses prior, when Jesus said “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God."
It turns out the children lacked nothing while he lacked everything.
His heart (not his money) was on trial.
So when Jesus instructed him to sell all his possessions, He wasn't saying we can sell our way into heaven. He was making the man an offer. "Your choice...me or your money." Your kingdom on earth or my kingdom in heaven. The rich young ruler chose his money.
"And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”" (Mark 10:23 ESV)
Who can be saved?
If this man missed the kingdom (and he had everything going for himself), we should all be asking "What hope does anyone have of being saved?" Morality, wealth, and status are no substitute for Jesus. What can we do? What can a rich person do?
And that leads us to some of the most encouraging words broken, sinful people like us could ever read...
“With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 ESV)