You Can't Buy Your Way into Heaven

(The following is the February 23 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Mark 10 and pay close attention to verses 23-27.)

In 2006 two of the world’s wealthiest men held a press conference where one pledged a sizeable annual gift to the other’s foundation. The donor stated, “There is more than one way to get to heaven, but this is a great way.” * How sad and biblically incorrect that anyone would think he could buy his way into Heaven, yet that is what this person claimed.

Individuals from the richest to the poorest can spend eternity in Heaven, but only through surrendering their life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It only happens by God’s grace through repentance and faith, demonstrated by a lifetime of continuing faithfulness. It is not a gift that can be purchased. The wealthy and the poor must come through the same door of faith in Christ. There is no other way.

That people trust in riches rather than God is not new. Jesus discussed the issue and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (v. 23). He added, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (v. 25). Why? The rich frequently misplace their trust. Riches open many doors of comfort, power, and prestige in this life. The wealthy may expect things to work that way in the afterlife, but they do not.

Surprised at Jesus’ words, the disciples asked, “Then who can be saved?” (v. 26). Jesus replied, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God” (v. 27). Everyone on Earth – rich, poor, and in between – receives the same invitation to believe. There is only One in whom we can trust for eternal life – Jesus Christ. “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Next Step:

Do you know people who trust in riches or good works to get to Heaven? Pray for them and for someone (possibly you) to have the right opportunity to share the gospel with them.

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*The Associated Press, “Gates: Buffett gift may help cure worst diseases,” NBC News, June 25, 2006, https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13541144.