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“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7
The Father informs us here of what displeases Him. Don’t be deceived: The sexually immoral, covetous, and greedy are idolaters and have no inheritance in the eternal heavenly kingdom. Greed and covetousness are idolatry and will damn the soul (Eph. 5:5-7). This is written to believers not lost people and is in force throughout the whole New Testament period. It doesn’t matter if one was previously born again or not, God is still holy and sin separates men from Him (Ezek. 33:12-13; Rom. 6:23; Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:8, 27). The Almighty didn’t change His very divine and eternal nature just because He saved us. He always has been and always will be “holy, holy, holy.” (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8)
The rich young ruler was told by Jesus to give up his sin of covetousness and greed – he was depending upon his own earthly wealth instead of the LORD. His trust in those temporal riches insulated him from realizing his utter need to depend upon the LORD (faith). At Christ’s answer, this rich man left sorrowful but retaining his sin. He refused to repent. The Bible teaches us that things are the same now as then (Eccl. 1:9; 1 Cor. 10:13).
Like this rich young ruler Jesus spoke to, many today hear God’s Word identify their sin of loving the things of this fleeting world more than Christ (1 Jn. 2:15-17). They refuse to relinquish their sin for Christ, clearly announcing to Him that they love something else and someone else (themselves) more than Jesus (Rev. 2:4-5). The Holy Spirit foretold that there would be many who (especially) in the final days, though having the outward appearance of a godly life, would be “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” (2 Tim. 3:1-7)
Let’s peer into the dialogue between the Alpha and Omega and the rich young ruler. There are essential truths to be garnered here. This passage is Mark 10:17-31. My remarks are in blue after some of these verses and also in parentheses:
Mk 10:17 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? (This guy wanted to go to Heaven. He asked Jesus about how to “inherit eternal life.” Many today want Heaven but refuse to truly love, obey, and serve Heaven’s King. See Luke 6:46. Hell awaits. Note this young man’s seeming desire to serve God, yet on his own terms and not God’s. Remember Cain? See Genesis 4:7. Is this not the same as having a “form of godliness” and at the same time denying true and complete surrender to Christ’s lordship? See 2 Timothy 3:5.)
Mk 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Mk 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Mk 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
Mk 10:21 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. (Jesus “loved” this man but did nothing to alter the message or widen the narrow road to make special provision for this eternal soul. “There is no respect of persons with God.” Romans 2:11. The “one thing” this man lacked was that he loved self more than God. This is all it takes to go to hell forever. See Luke 9:23-24 and Romans 6:16. Contrast this with the
“One thing” David desired. See Psalms 27:4)
Mk 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. (This man who was material/financially rich in this life was “grieved” at the thought of having to give it up in order to obtain eternal life/true and never ending riches.)
Mk 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (Sounds nearly impossible due to the lure and grip the power riches holds over unsanctified, idolatrous souls.)
Mk 10:24 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! (Jesus said “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24)
Mk 10:25 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. (It’s appears that Jesus is again revealing to us here that it is virtually impossible to be financially rich in this life and also go to Heaven.)
Mk 10:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
Mk 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. (Christ makes it clear here that not all materially rich people in this life are going to perish. Though miniscule, a few who are rich in this world’s goods truly serve Him by using that wealth liberally to further His eternal kingdom.)
Mk 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. (These men were true disciples.)
Mk 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,
Mk 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Here Jesus promises all who truly follow Him that they will be blessed in this life and in the next and will also suffer “persecutions.” Most men who teach the modern false prosperity message never mention Bible promises and truths like persecution, tribulation, trials, temptations, the chastening of the LORD, etc. When they do it is twisted.)
Mk 10:31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Jesus, make us wiser in stewardship. Unite our hearts to fear Thy holy name! Amen.
The cure to all forms of heart iniquity is to answer the divine call to seek His face (Ps. 27:4, 8). Repentance will be part of the worship rendered by the seeking soul (Ps. 51). The LORD will reward that soul with the wealth of His true riches (Ps. 16:11).
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“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shown toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10
If you love Jesus more than self and anything else in this life, get ready because He is going to bless you beyond what your mind could possibly begin to apprehend at this time!
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“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
PASS IT ON TO ANOTHER.
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