We have already seen how Christ did not follow the beaten track of modern evangelistic techniques in dealing with this promising young man. Though He genuinely “loved him” (v. 21), He did not alter the terms of salvation for him. We are not omniscient – like Jesus – Who could see into this man's heart, but we have the same Holy Spirit Who “convinces men of sin.” And how does He bring about this conviction? By using God's Law – the Ten Commandments.
Whether the issue is bulging pockets or bloated pride, a man must be brought to the end of himself before he can place his complete trust in Jesus as Savior. Let us go back to the Master and “learn of him” how to deal with self-righteous souls
This story has a sad ending. The rich young ruler came to Jesus for eternal life, but he left without it. Did he ever get saved? The Bible doesn't say, but it does leave a glimmer of hope. Although he “went away grieved,” he went away sobered. Jesus had given him plenty to think about. “With God all things are possible.”
In our witnessing we too must grapple with the awful fact of sin and use God's law lawfully, depending on the Holy Spirit to produce conviction. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul” (Ps. 19:7).
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Bob Vradenburgh is the senior pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has spent 40 years in full-time Christian service: the first 20 years as a missionary and the past 20 years in the pastorate. Bob’s passion is the expository preaching of God’s Word,...
