isnt it interesting that those who claim to be jesus followers can rationalize away specific directions supposedly from him.Quote from jem:
You got it perfectly. Lets see the lessons we can take away.
1. Why call Jesus good - there is only one who is good. (proof of Jesus being part of the trinity.
2. No matter how well you keep the commandments - you can never merit Gods grace on your own. Our works are as rags. You are never going to merit eternal life. You are not good. You are not perfect.
3. Jesus replied - " if thou wilt be perfect". Letting the man know - you might earn you way into heaven if you are perfect. But, there is only one who is good and it is not any man.
In the next part of the passage you did not quote -
4. Jesus then explained God's plan in a nutshell. I quote the passage in context in quotes below my comments.
With man it is impossible but with God all things are possible.
So if you wish to share eternity with God.. You need to read the bible and see what promises are made regarding eternal life.
With the works of man it is impossible to earn the right to spend eternity in a place of perfection. But if you listen to God/Jesus and act on his promises you can ask God to substitute Jesus's acts for your life.
By acting on Jesus' promises you can have Jesus' earn your salvation.
That is the Easter message.
"And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Treasury of Scripture Mat 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Treasury of Scripture KMat 19:19 Honour thy father and [thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.
Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Treasury of Scripture
Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mat 19:25 When his disciples heard [it], they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. "
Jesus- Sell all you have, give the money from your sales to the poor, then you can follow me.
jem- Right. Just a second, Im in a debate with this atheist online.
Jesus- ~sigh~ Sell all you have, give the money from your sales to the poor, then you can follow me.
jem- Yeah yeah, just a minute. Ive GOT to show this atheist how he's wrong about you!
Jesus- ~double sigh~ Sell all you have, give the money from your sales to the poor, then you can follow me.
jem- Get off my back already! Geez, cant you see Im doing God's work here?!?
Jesus-You're not listening to me. Sell all you have, give the money from your sales to the poor, then you can follow me.
jem- What? Give up my computer? But this is how I do God's work!! GET OFF MY BACK!
Jesus- You're not listening. ALL you are doing is debating foolish words, NOT salvation!
jem- O COMMON! There's NO WAY you literally meant to sell everything.
All the scholars know that! Jeez, how stupid!
Now get off my back Jesus.
