Pastor's Corner

Imagine a camel trying to squeeze himself through the eye of a small needle. The picture presents a ridiculous impossibility. Yet Jesus drew that very picture with His words, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" Mt. 19:23.

Because money can buy so many things, wealthy people are especially vulnerable to thinking they can even buy their way into heaven. We can't buy our way into salvation or use our wealth to redeem a loved one.

Jesus' disciples, believing money was the answer to so many things, replied with astonishment, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responded, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

The Bible teaches we aren't saved by the size of our bank account or our list of good deeds. "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy" Titus 3:5.

Jesus said it wasn't possible with man - but that with God all things are possible. God accomplished our salvation by His mercy, by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. He accomplished the impossible. He took our punishment. He alone, through the wealth of His sinless life, paid for our sins with His very life blood.

What is impossible for us to purchase through wealth or works, He purchased for us by dying in our behalf. We are forgiven through Christ. We are promised eternal life through Christ. We are a part of God's Kingdom through Christ. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" Acts. 16:31.

Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church