Are You A Good Person? (Mark 10:21)

Yes! You are a good person! There are a number of instances in the bible where people - just ordinary people like you and me - are referred to as 'good'. (one is Acts 11:24) You are made in God's image (Gen 1:27), and the 'goodness' you 'do' and 'are', come from that image in your soul. 

However... when it comes to the question of 'eternal life' - in other words, forgiveness of sin and being made right with God now and forevermore - your 'goodness' has nothing to do with it. Your 'goodness' is good, but not relevant - and not of any help - in getting right with God, having your sins forgiven, and going to heaven.

A 'rich young ruler' approached Jesus one day and asked what he had to do to have 'eternal life'. He started by addressing Jesus in this way, 'Good teacher!' (Mark 10:17) Jesus quickly took this 'focus' off the table. He said, 'No one is good but God alone.' (vs.18) Jesus is not here nullifying people's general goodness; he is making sure that we do not think our own goodness has any part in the discussion about - and doorway to - eternal life.

Jesus asked him about his general adherence to God's commandments, but then said he lacked one thing: to sell his possessions, give the money away, and follow Jesus. (v.21) The man could not do this, and went away sad. 

Jesus calls each of us to not let anything - our possessions, our relationships, our sin - get between us and him. Jesus - God in the flesh (John 1:14) - calls us to believe in him, and get 'practical' about following him. He challenged this 'rich young ruler' to put his 'money where his mouth was' - literally! 

If you want the eternal life that Jesus offers, you need to put your own notions of your 'goodness' to the side, and actually 'follow' Jesus. This is a step of repentance and faith. 

For more on 'First Steps' with Jesus, please visit: https://1peter1three.weebly.com/first-steps.html

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