Following Jesus

Their was a man in the bible who literally ran to the feet of Jesus begging him to know what he had to do to gain eternal life. We may never have had that experience happen to us, usually if we are the ones who are seeking out people with whom we can share the gospel. This man is described as being rich, young and a ruler. In his eyes, and in the culture of the day, he was seen to be blessed of God. However, even though he possessed everything in a material sense, he knew he did not possess eternal life. He came to Jesus, a rabbi (teacher) and a man recognised as coming from God and asked a question that many people ask, " what good thing must I do to gain eternal life?".

The question had a basic flaw in it; you could call it a universal flaw.  This is because it is a belief system that seems to be common to all people. Firstly, the man assumed that eternal life or life in heaven after death could be earnt in some way. Secondly, that this gain could come through human effort, he asks "what good thing...must I do?..."

The bible clearly tells us that salvation is a gift, it cannot be earnt or deserved. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

This is one gift that money can't buy.