How to Miss Eternal Life Matthew 19:16-22 The Rich Young Ruler: How a Rich Man Enters the Kingdom of Heaven.the Lord’s approach to this young man has often seemed perplexing. There are three reasons for the perplexity.The young man called Christ “Good Master,” but Christ denied that He was good. How can Christ, who claims to be God, deny that He is good?The young man asked how he might receive eternal life. Christ said nothing about believing, but told the young man to keep certain laws.The third perplexity is shocking. Christ told the young man that he had to sell all that he had and give it to the poor in order to receive eternal life. The question immediately arises, does Christ really demand that a person give all he is and has in order to be saved?These three facts are puzzling. However, when we study the passage and understand what was happening, the puzzle fades. Christ led the young man through the steps that are needed to receive eternal life.
1. Step 1: seek eternal life (v.16).
2. Step 2: know that God alone is good (v.17).
3. Step 3: keep the commandments (v.18-20).
4. Step 4: give all you are and have to Christ (v.21-22).