A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

HEAVEN IS NOT FOR SALE      

Matthew 19:16 (Read verse 16-23) “Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”   

According to a poll conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona State University, approximately 48% of U.S. adults believe that a person who is generally good or does enough good things for others will earn a place in heaven. Another poll conducted by Beliefnet.com found that among Christians, 52% believe that a person can qualify for heaven by being or doing good. Yet another poll indicated that 33% of U.S. Christian pastors believe that being good is essential to entering heaven. 

The young rich man who came to Jesus as recorded in Matthew 19:16ff wanted to know what good things he must do to get eternal life. Jesus reviewed his life with him to ascertain whether his life was good enough. In the dialog between Jesus and the man, he was a morally good person. That should have convinced Jesus, right? Jesus said to the man, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19:22) 

To get into heaven by doing good things is an impossible road. No human being is capable. The only way to heaven is by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus. (Ephesians 2:8,9) Jesus said regarding the way to heaven: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) 

Prayer: I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee. Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free.” Amen. 

You are the way; through You alone  
Can we the Father find;  
In You, O Christ, has God revealed  
His heart and will and mind. 

You are the truth; Your Word alone  
True wisdom can impart;  
You only can inform the mind   
And purify the heart. 

You are the life; the empty tomb  
Proclaims Your conqu’ring arm,  
And those who put their trust in You  
Not death nor hell shall harm. 

You are the way, the truth, the life,  
Grant us that way to know,  
That truth to keep, that life to win  
Whose joys eternal flow.  

You Are the Way; through You Along // LSB 526