The Law of Love

A rich man ran to Jesus, kneeled down to Him, asking Him, “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17)

A good question. It applies to every one of us. Almost every person is probably thinking about this issue sometimes during his or her life. Is there life after death? If so, where am I going to spend it? How do I get to heaven?

Many awakened people are beginning to improve their lives, ie trying to earn their salvation through their own actions. Perhaps even this person in the Gospel text thought that he would start sacrificing something for the benefit of others. However, he did not feel that he had violated the Law. In his opinion, he had respected the Law since his youth. This is how many people think today. I have not done anything bad to anyone. If I have spoken a little something bad, or something similar, so everyone does. You my blind friend. Jesus loves you. That is why He wants to rid you of all the false foundations of salvation, all of your own work. They come from corrupt flesh and are just sin before God.

Jesus says to you as He said to the rich man, “One thing you lack,” he said.“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21) That is how it is with each of us. Leave all your own righteousness and holiness, and throw yourself only on grace. Jesus has fulfilled the whole Law for us, He has paid our ten thousand talents debt to the last shekel. When you believe this now and at the last moment of your life, you will inherit eternal life.

Olli Puolakka