I know, you read that title, and now you’re ready to argue. But, please hear me out. I’ve been wrestling with this for some time, and I believe it needs to be said. Not everyone who meets Jesus Christ is saved.
Refer to Matthew 19:16-22 for the story of the rich ruler (this is also found in Mark 10 and Luke 18).
This guy calls out to Jesus, “Hey! Good teacher! I want to know what I have to do to be saved.”
Jesus began reciting the ten commandments, “Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal;…” The rich guy interrupts and says,”Yeah, yeah. I already do ALL of that. In fact, I’ve been doing all of that since I was a kid. So, really, what must I do?”
He wasn’t prepared for Jesus’s answer, “Yes, you have. But, you’re missing one thing. You must sell everything and give to the poor so that you will have real treasure in heaven. Then, come and follow me.” And the rich guy just turned and walked away, saddened, because he wasn’t just rich, he was very rich.
The rich ruler met Jesus. But because he cared more about his riches, Jesus wasn’t able to save him. Jesus will NEVER force you to accept him. God simply doesn’t work that way.
We see this attitude in so many ways today. People choose their lifestyle, their sin, their job, their status, etc… over what GOD says.
Some of us are sitting here today, and we’re thinking of certain individuals or groups that this applies to. We grew up in church, or we have been saved and sanctified for so long that we’ve become petrified, and we’re just certain that we can’t be guilty of this thinking.
Sadly, I have to say that even many of us who have claimed to be Christians for a long time have become very adept at trying to twist the scriptures to excuse our own choices.
“Hey God, I know what your Word says, but hey, you know my heart, right? I mean, you don’t REALLY expect me to be able to change, and be obedient. After all, YOU MADE ME THIS WAY.”
I can hear The Father reply, “No. I created you to be perfect. But sin entered in and corrupted everything. However, I did make a way, through My Son, Jesus, to bring you back onto the right path. All you have to do is accept Him. Choose HIM as your Lord and Savior. And my Holy Spirit will guide you, and give you the ability to be obedient.
Jesus can’t save those who refuse to accept Him. He only saves those who choose Him. He already chose each and every one of us. We can choose to walk away sad and even heartbroken. Or, we can choose to follow Jesus.
Which do you choose?