“As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I DO to inherit eternal life?'” – Mark 10:17

The man referenced in the scripture above has believed to be a young, rich leader in the synagogue. His address to Jesus as “Good Teacher” reflects his background of seeing Jesus as booth good and a teacher, but not as a deity and the Son of God. It is not surprising, then, when the man asks Jesus “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

Doing, accomplishing, and checking off a list was what he had been taught would be necessary to earn eternal life. Sometimes the emphasis on this scripture is that the young man was not willing to part with his wealth. But even if he gave up all his material possessions, he still would not be saved.

Unfortunately, the “doing” thought about salvation still exists today. It is not what we can do; it is all about what Jesus already did. Salvation is a free gift from God, provided by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and is received through faith. It is available to everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord (Acts 4:10-12). That faith is expressed through repentance of sin and following Jesus in total obedience.

“Cease striving and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

~ Mark Knapp – Beck’s Chaplain