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Shiloh Baptist Church, Hartford

Many people have the idea that as long as they are “good enough,” they will be able to enter heaven. We measure God’s holiness with our morals and good deeds. When we do this we misunderstand God’s salvation. It is possible for a person to be well liked and admired in the community and not spend an eternity in heaven with Jesus Christ. It is also possible for someone to have acquired a great amount of wealth on earth but be spiritually bankrupt.

This issue was addressed by Jesus in Luke 18:18–23, which says, “A ruler questioned Him, saying, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, “Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.”’ And he said, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth.’ When Jesus heard this, He said to him, ‘One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.”

This young ruler was probably a local judge or councilman within this small town. He had grown up in this area and was well respected by everyone. We know from what God’s Word says that he had grown up in a home that respected God. His parents taught him to keep all the commandments and it was instilled in him that he should be a “good person.” But there was still one thing holding him back — he loved his worldly possessions. The rich young ruler was more concerned with storing up treasures here on earth than in heaven. Jesus gave him an opportunity for salvation, but he chose to walk away.

What about you? Are you guilty of putting possessions ahead of Jesus Christ? Are you a “good person” that has never asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins? It is impossible to secure your place in heaven without asking Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. He is waiting.