Who among us can be saved? Who is willing to give up everything that
stands
between us and God?
Consider the story of a rich young ruler:
As Jesus walked out onto the road, a man ran up to Him. Getting down on
his
knees, the man asked Him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal
life?"
But Jesus asked him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but the one
God. You know the commands: "You shall not commit adultery. You shall not
murder. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You
shall
not cheat. Honor your father and your mother..."
The man said, "Teacher, I've kept all of these since I was a boy."
Then Jesus looked at him, and loved him. He said, "You still lack one
thing.
Go and sell whatever you own. Give the money to the poor, so you will
have
treasure in Heaven. Then come, take up the cross and follow Me."
At these words the man's heart fell, because he owned many possessions.
And
he went away very sad. Then Jesus turned and looked at His disciples and
said, "How very difficult it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of
God!" And the disciples were shocked and confused by His words.
But again Jesus said, "Children, how hard it is for people who trust in
money to enter into the kingdom of God! It's easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle, than for a wealthy person to enter into God's
kingdom."
Now the disciples were even more perplexed, asking among themselves, "Then
who is able to be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings, it is impossible, but
not
with God. For with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:17 -27)
The simple fact is, none of us is able to do all that would have to be
done
in order to make everything right with God. Our hearts are never quite
pure
enough, long enough to see such a task through. And even if we were able
to
stop doing all the wrong things, how can we make right the bad choices
made
in the past? We cannot pay for the sins we have already committed.
Saving ourselves is impossible, as Jesus said. But it is not impossible
for
God. The price was terribly high , even for God. Saving lost sinners
would
cost God His own beloved Son. It would cost Jesus His own life. Yet God
loved human beings so much that He was willing to offer up His Son so that
anyone who trust in Christ would be saved.
Jesus suffered and died on the cross, spilling His life's blood for sins
He
never committed. He died for you and me, and for all who need a Savior.
He
took away the sins of the world. Now anyone who believes God can have
eternal life.
That's good news. If your life needs the changing, saving power of Jesus
Christ, trust in Him today and be saved. He will save you from yourself,
from all your wrong choices and from the power of sin and death.
Need to know more? Go here: http://www.goodwordusa.org/word/peace4.htm
Can your life really be changed? Find out here:
http://www.goodwordusa.org/power/change1.htm
God bless you
Jim
free Bible software downloads: www.onlinebible.net
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free 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, or 2012 calendar download:
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Christian encouragement: www.thegospelwitness.com
Free online info on how to start your own small newspaper:
www.newspaper-info.com
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