Matthew 19:23-30

Wisdom from above concerning who can be saved Matthew 19:23-30: It is difficult for those who have wealth to get into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:23) When the disciples heard Jesus say that 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 heaven they asked, "Who then can be saved?" (Matthew 19:24)

The rich man that Jesus spoke of was a person that loved his riches, and made an idol of them. His desire was to gain more and more. "Who then can be saved?" Jesus told the disciples that those that had left all and become His disciple would be blessed in this life. They would receive one hundred percent on whatever they had given up. However, even more than this they would receive eternal life. (Matthew 19:29) We can have faith in this promise and trust Christ for its performance!

The only power that can cause a man to cease trusting in his money is the power of God. The problem is never that a person has possessions but rather, that the possessions have him. Any wealth that we possess must be used to serve God and glorify Him in His kingdom. The apostles had given up material things for Christ. Peter wondered what they would have as a result of this sacrifice. What they gave up may have been looked upon by many as "small" but by forsaking these things they showed their sincerity. Jesus told the apostles that they would sit upon "twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Jesus said, "every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting life."

Wisdom from above says that sinners should come to Christ and live for Him. Purify your heart by faith (John 8:24), change your life through repentance, (Acts 17:30), change your relationship with God through baptism. Then, from that watery grave of baptism arise to a walk in newness of life in Christ. (Romans 6:3-4)