Can the Rich Be Saved?

 July 13, 2024

Saturday

Mark 10:24–27 (NASB 2020) ²⁴ And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus responded again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ 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.” ²⁶ And they were even more astonished, and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” ²⁷ Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

The common explanation of this story is that there is a small entrance into Jerusalem where camels must be unloaded and on their knees before they can enter. The preacher says that this proves that a rich man can only be saved in humility. I have a lot of trouble with this explanation. 

My first objection is that there is no evidence of an eye of the needle being recorded in Jerusalem until about 1000 AD. It makes no sense that Jesus would be talking of something that wasn't common knowledge. It is pretty much after this time that the previous explanation of the salvation of the rich came into being. It makes for a great story but it does not explain what Jesus said.

Secondly,  no person who believes his salvation can be bought will be saved. It will not be because the rich has given great gifts or crawled on his knees that he is saved. He is saved by grace. Thinking that you can act to be saved whether it is repeating a prayer or kissing the soles of the priests puts salvation squarely on what you do.

A third objection comes from trying to make sure the rich get saved. I have been told many times that I should make a point of getting the rich in church by other members. It seems that all rules can be bent if you are well heeled. This explanation gives an opening for the rich. They may say that they are humble even though they are rich but I have never known a humble person who thought he deserved something because he was humble.

No, I believe that Jesus' words were exactly what they appear to be. It is as impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God as it is for a camel to go through the eye of a sewing or surgical needle. This is why the disciples couldn't understand how anyone can be saved because at what point in a person rich? The answer Jesus gives is always the best: “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

Salvation is a miracle. It is the calling of God that is answered by the spirit of man. Man who is totally depraved listens and responds or resists. God does the work if the person doesn't resist. Money may get in the way. It certainly did for the rich, young ruler to whom this explanation of rich entering heaven preceded. But let's not stop there. Jobs can get in the way. Family can get in the way. Plans can get in the way. Anything that we place between us and God will get in the way.

Yes, the rich can be saved because God is still in the miracle business. But they may not think they need to be saved. They may see their heaven right here on earth. If so, they will not be saved. It will not matter how much they may have given in terms of money if the Lord has never had their souls.

Right now, pray that you know that the Lord knows you. Pray that your soul is His. (You see, to someone else, you may be a rich person.) Let the Lord answer you and tell you that you are His. Then, rejoice for a miracle is in you!