Who Then Can Be Saved

(#203, Yermo/Kelso Oct. 1944; Radio Dec. 1952; Imperial 1954/59)

Read Matthew 19:16-26.

This man was rich in worldly possessions, in virtues, and in delusion.  But he was poor in Heavenly treasure, in love for the Master, and in knowledge of his need.  His desire was earnest, asking Jesus what he might "do", and perhaps thinking Jesus would say "you have done all that is required."

ƒ    One thing thou lackest. 

He was not lacking moral goodness, correct theological knowledge, nor a desire for future blessedness.  But he lacked supreme devotion to Christ.  Some of the "one things" that keep people from having eternal life might include... procrastination, what others might say, selfishness, unwillingness to meet the condition of faith, no sense of need.

ƒ    He went away.

w   Why he went.  He went because he wasn't willing to pay the price.  What Jesus required of him would revolutionize his whole life, but he felt no such need to be "revolutionized."

w   How he went.  He went away sorrowful because he went away still in his sin.  He could never again say "All these have I kept."  Rejection of Christ always brings sorrow.

w   Where he went.  He went back to his possessions, the things that don't satisfy.  He went on to be lost.  He went on to face God and to give an account of himself.

ƒ    Who then can be saved? Those who come to Jesus. Those who realize their need. Those who are willing to come God's way, the way of Calvary, the way of faith and not works.

ƒ    Conclusions:

    1.  There may be much religious earnestness without true Christian experience.

    2.  The external keeping of the law does not obtain salvation.

    3.  There is treasure in heaven for those willing to pay the price of faith.

One thing may keep you from eternal life.