And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
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!
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.
And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
(Mark 10:23-27 KJV)
Is it impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom of God? Jesus says no.
It is not impossible because the rich and the poor are in the hands of God. It is impossible for us whether rich or poor to enter eternal life on our own merit. We are saved only by faith alone in Christ alone. The rich may have a difficult time with this faith part though because they are so busy amassing wealth that they do not have the time to hear the word which is essential to a growing and thriving faith. As St. Paul wrote: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17)
Our ultimate concern must always be our heavenly Father who sent His only begotten Son to die for us that we might be reconciled to our Father in heaven and to one another. The worldly goods and pleasures that we seek can be a major distraction from having a relationship with the One who loves us and gave Himself for us.
No, it is not impossible for a rich man to receive eternal life. It is not impossible for anyone. Yet, we are not saved by the work of our hands. We are not saved because of how much we have or don't have. We are saved by God's grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
God's Peace - Pr. J.
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