Is One Saved By Merely Believing In Jesus? Part Three

The approach

Since today’s evangelistic strategies do not seem to match the scriptural definition of salvation, it would be good to study the methodology of Jesus. Christ was not one to use games, contests or pressure tactics. He didn’t beg and plead with people to become Christians. Indeed, when His message got difficult and multitudes turned away, Christ merely looked at His disciples and said, “You do not want to leave too, do You?” (John 6:67)

There was no promise of an exciting youth meeting which served punch and cookies afterwards. There was no description of special music, weekly afterglows or cute brunettes in the college department.

One of the greatest examples of Christ’s methodology is found in his dialogue with the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-27. We would do well to briefly study this informative passage.

As Jesus started on Hs way, a man ran up to Him and fell on his knees before Him, “Good teacher,” he asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Talk about the opportunity of a lifetime! We are looking at the evangelist’s dream. Somebody is interested in becoming a Christian. No apologetic. No arguing. Just tell him what to do. How many people today would jump at this chance?

“We’re so glad you came. Make this little prayer and you’re in.”

As we continue to read the passage, it becomes clear that Jesus had a different way of handling his “fortunate opportunity.”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered, “No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.”

Such a nice man. Such a prime candidate for the kingdom of God. And what does Jesus do? He rebukes him! Many of today’s Christians would be stunned to hear a brother talk that way. “Hold on” they would say, “You don’t wanna offend him. Where’s your love?”

Of course Jesus was good because He was God. But the rich young ruler didn’t know this. To him, Jesus was a mere man. If a man could be good, mankind in general was good, including himself. Later, we are to see that a false understanding of holiness was the core problem.

Jesus went on to talk about the commandments. This seems surprising especially in light of Paul’s teaching about being free from the law and saved by grace. Why didn’t Jesus simply say, “I’ll tell you what. Soon I’ll be dying on the cross for your sins. Hang around and watch. If you believe that I’m dying for you, you’ll receive eternal life.” Instead, of all things, Jesus brings up the law.

“Teacher,” he declared, “All these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Was this really true? Could not Jesus have quickly called him to the carpet? After all, this was the same Jesus who equated anger with murder and lustful glances with adultery. This was the same Jesus who internalized the commandments in his sermon on the mount, condemning every human being. Yes, Jesus could have challenged that statement all too easily. Instead, he did something else.

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this, the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.”

Jesus chose to hit the person where he lived. Quite possibly, he would have repented in other lacking areas. but ultimately, valuable possessions would have hindered the ruler from giving God his total allegiance. I believe this man would have walked forward in church. I believe he would have recited the believer’s prayer and I doubt that he would have resisted baptism. I think this man would have done anything; anything except sell his possessions.

At many times, Jesus encouraged people to count the cost before following him. He compared hasty decisions to the fellow who starts constructing a building without checking to see if he will have enough material to finish the structure. (Luke 14:28-30) The cost to be counted? Life itself.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers land sisters yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-27

The cross was an instrument of death. A person’s commitment must be so strong that they are actually willing to die for Jesus. All other affections must be second place by comparison to a zeal for God.

Jesus literally turned the man down. He “let the fish get away.” But wasn’t this preferable to giving false assurance? The ruler wanted eternal life but he did not want a righteous life. He was disappointed, but at least he didn’t receive a deadly lie. Perhaps this youth would have served Jesus for a while, but in time, every professing Christian has an experience which tests the sincerity of the commitment. I call this experience “the moment of truth.” The rich young ruler came to realize that he was not such a “good guy” after all. He actually loved his money more than the living God. What could possibly be more pathetic? Had he been able to release these riches he would have been able to give God anything. If Jesus did not point out this problem, “the moment of truth” would have arrived later. The ruler would have constructed “half the building” only to discover that he was unable to finish. Jesus spared him this future agony by “putting all cards out on the table.” and “reading the fine print on the contract,” ” Essentially he was saying, “God will either hold first place in your life or God will not come at all.”

Of course, the rich young ruler failed his moment of truth. But the Old Testament provides a more successful example. Thousands of years ago, the patriarch Abraham was given the most difficult command that a parent could ever receive.

Then God Said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Gen 22:2

In those days, it was very common for people to sacrifice their children to the gods. Although Yaweh would later reveal that He did not approve of such a practice, (Lev. 20:2) Abraham, at this time would not have had any reason to view the command as either harsh or unusual. In his mind people owed this to the deities they served.

This is not to say that Abraham did not struggle with the command. It’s just that his struggle was of another nature. What could be more meaningful to a father than his own child? Who could ever describe Abraham’s internal torture as he considered whether or not to obey this frightening mandate? Certainly he; knew that Isaac would go on living as a resurrected being, (Heb. 11:19) but would that make up for the pain and emptiness of losing his precious son? Abraham’s confusion made the decision even more difficult. After all,, Isaac’s birth was a miracle and a gift of God. Now, without explanation, God had decided to take Issac away.

Much to Abraham’s surprise the potential tragedy was turned into a fantastic spiritual experience. The moment he lifted his knife to slay Isaac, God stopped him. All God wanted was to see if Abraham was willing to obey. As long as God controlled Abraham’s heart, Isaac’s death was unnecessary.

“Do not lay a hand on the boy, he said, “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Gen . 22:12.

Ofcourse, what this really means is that now Abraham knew his own priorities. God frequently accommodates people by talking as if He were limited by time and space. This makes it easier for us to have a personal dialogue with our maker. Naturally, God already knew Abraham’s heart. Why then was there a need for this drastic test? The challenge was for Abraham’s peace of mind. It is not always easy to trust our own deceitful motives. It is no small accomplishment to appraise our own priorities. Now, for the rest of his life, Abraham could know for sure where he stood. If ever he doubted his commitment, he could always look back to the day when he proved to himself that God meant more than anything else, even his own son. Abraham had experienced his “moment of truth.”

Paul tells us that Abraham’s salvation took place on the day when God announced the future arrival of Isaac.

“Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Rom. 4:3 (Quoted by Paul from Genesis 15:6)

James seems to make a contrary statement by suggesting that Abraham was justified years later on the day he took Isaac to the altar.

Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?” James 2:21.

Actually, there is no contradiction at all. Abraham’s faith was alive in the first encounter but tested in the second. Our timeless and all knowing God saw the two incidents as different reflections of the same faith. He knew that Abraham had the kind of faith which would later result in obedience. Abraham’s belief and trust was the root, his sacrifice was the fruit.

” You see that his faith and his actions were working together and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. And he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. James 2:22-24

Some people begin walking down God’s road with genuine faith. The moment of truth” eventually comes along. The faith is tested through fire and the pilgrim receives a greater assurance of salvation.

Others start along God’s road without a true commitment. When the “moment of truth” reveals his/her spiritual status, such a person receives the Holy Spirit, understanding for the first time what Christianity is really all about.

Others turn back after failing the “moment of truth” walking away sadly, like the Rich Young Ruler. We sometimes mistakenly tell these people
that they lost their salvation when actually they had never been Christians in the first place.1 Initial gospel accuracy would have helped them realize this truth. Now, as the “held back” areas are “spotlighted” they decide to kiss Christianity goodby.

Still others fail this test but continue under the delusion that they are saved.

“I may only have a little shack in heaven,” someone once said to me with a content smile ” but at least I’ll be there.” That man was in the saddest state of all. The Evangelist who handed out such booby prize assurance to him may answer to an angry God.”

Of course we must cautiously remember that no one can truly repent of their sin without the Holy Spirit. Jesus was asking the rich young ruler to do the absolute impossible. Had Christ commanded the man to turn himself invisible, the request would have been no more difficult. Obedience to God is only a dream without the Spirit’s transforming work. This process would not be available if Christ hadn’t paid for our sins. The cross makes our forgiveness legal. The Spirit makes our repentance possible. Human inability to repent apart from God gives ample demonstration that salvation is by faith and not by works. But it is dangerous to view obedience as something contrary to faith. When the Bible says that we are not saved by works, it means that we are not saved by dead, religious ritual. People can never achieve merit with God or earn their way into heaven. God will never shake my hand and say “Man oh man, our kingdom can use a cool, together person like you.”

At the same time, asking the Spirit to guide our lives is done with the understanding that He will change us. His job is to introduce a former sinner to the concept of submission.

In addition to discovering his corrupt nature, our wealthy friend needed to realize that only through God’s grace was there even a flicker of hope.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go throughout the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

The disciples were even more amazed and said to each other, “Who then, can be saved?”

A very good question. Although Christ leaves out the details, he offers important words which point out the proper direction.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, But not with God. All things are possible with God.”

Jesus communicated well enough to realize that the gospel (good news) was completely irrelevant without the bad news. What is the bad news? I am a terrible sinner who cannot save himself. I couldn’t do it if I wanted to and I don’t even want to. The only solution is to cry out for mercy.

God’s grace is the essence of the gospel. But we need to follow Jesus’

example and begin by talking about obedience. Eternal life is a free gift but God will only give this gift to those who really want it. What is the gift? A personal relationship with God. The bi-product of this relationship is holiness and conformity to the image of Christ.

The rich young ruler certainly could have asked for such a relationship.

“Lord, I never realized before, how much of a sinner I really am. I find myself in a trap. I do not want to forsake my wealth, but I wish the desire could be changed. Couldn’t you heal me of this terrible disease?”

Had the rich young ruler spoken those words sincerely, I believe he would have been saved.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Phil. 2:13

If God is at work in us to work, that means He is giving us the power to obey. If God is at work in us to will, that means he is giving us the desire to obey. 2

A few years ago I was informed by a young lady that when she prayed to receive Jesus, it didn’t work. She felt nothing at all.

“Do you pray very often?” I asked.

“Not really.”

“Do you spend a lot of time thinking about God?”

“No.”

“Do you ever read the Bible?”

“No.”

“Do you fellowship with other believers?”

“No……I don’t think I’m saved.”

“Either do I.”

Quite obviously, she had never understood the commitment God asked for.

With this in mind, I put forth a very key question.

“What is the most important thing in your life? From what do you receive your primary source of joy and fulfillment?”

Without hesitation she answered, “My husband Gary.” She went on to tell me that Gary meant more to her than anything else, even God. “I know that shouldn’t be, but I can’t change the way I feel.” Her honesty was to be admired.

I told her the story of the rich young ruler. Realizing the similarity she said, “So what am I supposed to do? Sell my husband and give the money to the poor.?”

“No,” I laughed. “But could you ask God to change your heart to the point where you would desire his approval above all else? Could you say to Him

“I realize that you aren’t truly a priority in my life and that is a problem with the condition of my heart. Please change me.”?

When it comes down to it, we really are saved by “asking Jesus into our hearts.” But how important it is to explain what this really means. We are not asking him into our hearts to obtain a ticket to heaven. We are asking him into our hearts so that he can clean house and re-arrange our lives.

God’s conditions of forgiveness are very much like that of a courtroom pardon. If a criminal is completely released of his sentence, the judge’s decision is merciful, to say the least. It is a free gift. But there is a stipulation to receiving his free gift: No more criminal activity! If there is, an even worse sentence will be posed.

Conclusion

Becoming a Christian is likened to adoption. Imagine living in an orphanage. One lonely night, you are reading in your room when a staff person comes in to share some exciting news.

“A rich and powerful man has set his eyes upon you. He wants to adopt you and treat you as his son/daughter. He is a very loving man and he will give you many good things. He will always look after your best interests. But he will also bring you up to be a moral human being. He will take total custody of your life and raise you with strict discipline. If you should ever get out of line, he will discipline you. Ultimately your character growth will be his responsibility. But he is so skilled in his parenthood that you will one way or the other become the person he wants you to be.”

And perhaps this is the best way to sum up the message of mercy and obedience rolled in one. The good news is that our sins can be forgiven and we need not be orphans any longer. As a free, undeserved gift, God has offered to adopt us and grant eternal life. It begins now and continues for all of eternity. The essence of eternal life is a relationship with God and the rapport with God is that he is slowly but surely teaching us to obey him.

Special Note: For a fuller study of Jesus’ talk with the rich young ruler, see Walter Chantrey’s excellent book, Today’s Gospel, Authentic or Synthetic? His insights inspired my own continued study of Mark 10.

Footnotes:

1 There are differing views regarding the subject of eternal security. These words represent my own view and I respect the opinions which differ from mine. An exhaustive treatment of this subject is not needed at the moment as the more important points I was making can be embraced by those with alternate soteriologies.

2 Such an interpretation does not necessarily lead to Calvinism as some believe that the Spirit’s probing influence can still be resisted by our free will I.E. If we are not saved it is our doing. If we are saved, it is God’s doing. A detailed discussion of predestination and free will is beyond the scope of this book and must be saved for a later time.

Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE

New International Version NIV

Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Printed in the United States of America