My girls sometimes get a little bit of money from their grandparents or a friend on their birthday. When they were younger, not understanding what the money they had would secure, they would have such “big” plans for a small amount of money. Often, when they told us what they wanted to purchase we had to tell them, “It takes more than that to get what you want.” Spiritually, you see this as Jesus spoke to the rich, young ruler. He wanted “eternal life” and said he had kept the commandments Jesus mentioned, but Jesus, “Looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack…” Basically, the Lord is teaching him if you want eternal life, it takes more than that. The sad reality is that many religious people today desire eternal life (and may even think they have it awaiting them) when the reality is it take more than what they think to obtain it. Notice, to have eternal life it takes more than…
Being A Good Person: Sometimes, in speaking to people about their soul, they will say something such as, “I’m a good person and I don’t need all that religious stuff.” The idea that “God will save all good people like me” will lead many to eternal destruction. Being a “good” person is important, but will it alone bring about eternal life? First, may we understand that man’s definition of good and evil are often vastly different than God’s definition. Isaiah wrote of this very fact: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20). Most of those who claim they are a “good person” are using the wrong standard – their own estimation of good as opposed to God’s standard of His word (Heb. 5:12-14). Second, being a “good person” alone will save no one. For example, Cornelius was a God-fearing, devout, benevolent, and praying man – a “good” man (Ac. 10:1-2). However, even with all these good qualities, he was not a saved man (Ac. 11:13-14). It takes more than being a good person to have eternal life!
Knowing The Bible: Some must suppose that if they know the Bible that is enough because when I talk to them about their soul they say, “I know that’s what the Bible says,” but do nothing about it. Knowing is important – knowledge of God’s word will make you free (Jn. 8:32), Yet, knowing the truth is not enough. James said, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (Jas. 1:22). When one thinks they can simply hear and not do while being right with God, they are deceived. Notice where Jesus put the blessing. He said, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (Jn. 13:17). It takes more than knowing the Bible to have eternal life!
Going To Church: Again, when talking to some about their soul, they may respond, “I go to church.” “Going to church” is important (Heb. 10:24-25). However, there are some important things to consider. Where are you attending. The Bible teaches there is only one church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4). One church is not as good as another. If you are not attending the Lord’s church, you are not profited as the Lord does not recognize any body but His. Additionally, even if you are attending the church belonging to Christ, that still does not necessarily mean you are counted among the saved. In 1 Corinthians 5:1 we read of a man who attended with the Lord’s people in Corinth (“among you”) who was involved in sin and in danger of losing his soul. Attending with the Lord’s people is necessary. Yet, it takes more than going to church to have eternal life.
David Eldridge