ICS Daily Devotions
Can the Rich Get to Heaven?
Luke 16:19,22,23,25 19 There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day…. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom… 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented
When the rich man died, he went to Hades and was tormented while Lazarus the beggar went to Paradise. However, this does not mean that all rich people will go to hell. We are saved by grace alone. Jesus was talking about stewardship in this passage. We are stewards of God’s money, talents, gifts and we have the responsibility to preach the Gospel. He expects us to live our lives with eternity in perspective. We must not focus on the temporal life on earth but invest our time in seeking first His Kingdom and righteousness.
Luke 16:13“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Yes, the rich can be saved. There are many in the Bible who were blessed abundantly by God. Adam and Eve were given everything in the Garden of Eden, and Job was the richest man in the East in his time. King Solomon, Abraham and Lot were also extremely rich and it was God who blessed them abundantly. Clearly, God is not against the rich, but He despises those who have a love for money rather than a devoted love for Him. God looks at the heart of man.
Luke 18:25-27 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” 27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
All things are possible with God including having the rich in heaven. Both the rich and the poor can have a love for money which can compromise their morals and sear their conscience, leading to many sorrows. Some have heard the Gospel but refuse to accept Christ yet because they want to pursue their careers or make more money. They think they will have enough time to call out to God just before their last breath, but we never know when death will come knocking on our doors. Let us not be blinded by chasing wealth in this world only to be forgo an eternity without Christ. God is a jealous God and He wants us to love Him above all else.
Sermon Series: Will You Tell Somebody the Good News?
