LORD’S DAY, MARCH 11
Luke 18:18-30
James 2:8-13

“…whosoever shall keep the whole law…
and yet offend in one… he is guilty of all.”

ETERNAL INHERITANCE

A rich young ruler asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life. He called Jesus good in order to show off his own supposed “goodness.” However, Jesus quickly pointed out no one on earth was good, only God is good. The young ruler thought he was assured of eternal life because of his goodness, but Jesus told him that no man can inherit eternal life by being good. Jesus is the only good man for He is God.

Jesus, knowing the heart of the young ruler, told him that the requirement was to keep the commandments. The man claimed to have obeyed all. Jesus knew it was a lie but was patient and merciful to show how the young man failed in keeping the commandments of God. He could not inherit eternal life because he did not perfectly obey all the commandments (James 2:10). The young ruler thought he had kept all but in truth he had failed in all because he loved his riches more than God or his neighbours. When Jesus told him to sell all his goods and distribute to the poor, it was proven that he valued his goods more than eternal life.

Later, Peter asked Jesus what their rewards would be. He was asking about the inheritance for those who followed Jesus. The Lord assured him that they would receive manifold, even more, not only on this earth but even more in the world to come. Peter was assured also of parents and brethren more than those they had left behind. A Christian who will do the Lord’s work will be given spiritual parents and brethren. We must be careful however not to take in the lies of some cults who are polygamist. Parallel verses in Mark 10:29-30 deny such false teaching. The best commentary of the Bible is the Bible. Jesus promised that the inheritance He will give are not only for this present world but in His eternal Kingdom. The Lord promises wealth untold. Eternal riches promised are beyond our finite minds’ imagination. Are you prepared to receive all?

THOUGHT: Am I assured of the eternal riches in Christ Jesus?
PRAYER: Father, Creator of heaven and earth, Owner of the cattle on a thousand hills, give me a heart that desires none but Thee!