Day 5 - Going All The Way (Part 2)

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.   Mark 10:17-18

Let's take an even closer look at this young man. Yesterday, we looked at what he got wrong, but let's give him credit today for what he got right.  The other gospel accounts call him the rich young ruler.  Like many today he was seeking for something.  He came running to Jesus, kneeling before him and inquiring about eternal life. He came in the right way, he's concerned about the right issue and he's talking to the right person. He asks the right question but he is not ready for the answer.

When he calls Jesus "Good Master", Jesus immediately challenges that statement.  It is obvious the young man only considered Jesus to be a great teacher.  He was looking for a good tip for life's journey.  Jesus is not a stop along the way. He is the way! He is not something you add to your life. He Himself is life! People treat Christ as if He is something to add to their resume, as if salvation needs to be checked off of a To-Do list.

The young man is also confused about salvation altogether for he asks, "What must I do".  He thinks salvation can be earned by effort and heaven is the reward of such effort. He wants to have a hand in it. He wants to be involve.  When Abraham went to cut covenant with God he fell asleep.  When he woke up the covenant was ratified and Abraham had nothing to do with it.  Salvation is not a reward for good behavior. It is made available to all by grace through faith.

Many people still believe that salvation is based on “do”. They believe that they have to “do” something to be saved. Be it join a church, get baptized, teach Sunday School, preach, give, become a moral person and stop sinning and the list could go on forever! The Bible tells us in no uncertain terms that salvation is never about “Do”. Salvation, through Jesus Christ, is always about “Done!” When Jesus died on the cross, He said “It is finished!” He did it all and there is nothing you and I can do you to add to it or to get it on our own.  Works cannot get you saved and works cannot keep you saved.  The just shall live by faith. It's time to go all the way.  (continued tomorrow)


Prayer
Father, thank you for sending your Son.  Jesus is all the world to me, my life, my joy, my all. The work is already done. I believe, Amen.

Go Deeper
Genesis 15; Psalm 32:1-7; John 6:28-29; Romans 3; Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 3:5