Have you heard the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler who asked our Lord what he must do to inherit eternal life?
After Jesus laid out the Old Testament rules, the conversion continued:
Mark 10
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
Many people have rejected the gift of salvation for similar reasons. They fear what they must give up to purchase salvation.
The rich young ruler posed his question BEFORE Jesus purchased the whole world's forgiveness on the cross. Our Lord's answer to the rich man was a requirement that seemed impossible to fulfill.
The disciples found it to be an overwhelming conundrum.
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Less than three months later, Jesus Christ gave his life, brutally beaten and executed upon the cross, to purchase the rich young ruler’s, and the world’s, salvation. That is what He meant when he said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”
Do you have to give up anything, including sinful habits and addictions, to receive the gift of salvation today?
No.
Will God compel you to give those things up once you repent and accept His gift?
Yes…And He will also anoint you with the power to do it.
And your life will finally be filled with meaning and contentment.
Many miss the “power He will give you” when it comes to giving up your things, your time and harmful habits. Once the power is within you, you truly want to please the Father and reflect well on Him. It is much easier to submit to Him than to be your own god.