“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” inquired a king of that time. Jesus then commanded him to “come, follow me.” Luke 18:18–22
We read of a ruler approaching Jesus in Luke 18 and asking him what steps he needs to take in order to receive eternal life. Jesus initially responds to him in accordance with social conventions, which is to enumerate a few of the ten commandments. In response, the man says he had saved things since he was younger. But Jesus argues that his wealth prevents him from giving God his whole attention. This man is not prepared to follow Jesus and give up his money.
It is right to keep God’s commandments. However, obtaining eternal life will not come from our best efforts to follow them flawlessly. A different approach is provided by Jesus, who demands that you accept Him as Lord and follow Him. In your place, he has come to properly uphold and fulfill the law. As stated in Romans 3:21–22, “But now, even though the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”
It is not appropriate to attempt to gain God’s favor by keeping his commands. Alternatively, you may be “justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, by his grace as a gift.”
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
