Jesus replies to the question: “what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

Someone came to Jesus with this question:

“Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?

17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”

18 “Which ones?” the man asked.

And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”

21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

(Matthew 19)

Now compare this answer with what Paul said to the same question:

The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”

Acts 16

In essence we have two different religions:

i) the religion of Jesus where doing the commands of God brings eternal life;

ii) and a religion about Jesus, which is founded on faith in Jesus alone.

Which do you follow?



Categories: Bible, Christianity, Gospels, Jesus

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