This rich ruler parable has always troubled me. I recognize that one main teaching is that the ruler could not earn his way into eternal life. Not by moral living or wealth. However, look at his question of Jesus, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Shouldn’t the right response have been, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Instead, Jesus tells him to do a work (give all your money to the poor and follow Jesus). If we can’t earn eternal life, why did Jesus give an answer based on works?
Today’s church and evangelical Christian would simply say, “Pray this prayer and you’re saved. And, oh by the way, never question whether you’re saved. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, you’re saved and don’t doubt.”
This parable raises the issue of receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior. While today’s church says you can receive him as Savior and later follow him as Lord (or not), Jesus seems to be saying you must trust and follow him as both Lord and Savior. “Produce fruit in keeping wit repentance.” “Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do as I say.”
I’m certainly not advocating salvation by works, but Jesus seems to be saying, “If your faith is genuine it will produce righteous living”. Real faith is not just believing the facts about salvation, but is acting consistent with what we say we believe (not perfectly but characteristically). After all, aren’t we new creatures in Christ?
