The Essence of Christianity
Today’s sermon invites us to understand our origins to reaffirm our faith and align ourselves with God’s purpose. Christianity is not just a set of beliefs; it is a way of life that centres on the promise of eternal life.
The Issue of Eternal Life
In Mark 10:17-22, a young man runs to Jesus and kneels before Him, asking, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This man’s deep concern for eternal life drove him to seek Jesus, who was considered a heretic by many. His eagerness shows how much he values eternal life.
Are we, as believers, equally concerned about eternal life? Christianity does not aim to make us wealthy or morally upright; these are secondary blessings. The core of Christianity is the pursuit of eternal life, as promised by God in the Scripture.
The founding pastor emphasized that the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, revolves around God’s promise of eternal life to humanity. Paul writes in Titus 1:2, “in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised since ages ago.” Similarly, 1 John 2:25 states, “And this is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.”
Without a focus on eternal life, we are not truly Christians.
John 3:16 further explains, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This shows that God sent Jesus to give us eternal life. Remember this: Christianity equals to eternal life. It is the reason God has called us through His Word, and it is why we gather in church.
For those who not yet understand eternal life, may a passion to learn about it be kindled within you. For those who have not received eternal life, may you earnestly seek it. And for those who have already received it, may it work powerfully within you forever. I bless you in the name of the Lord.
The Issue of Goodness
Despite rumours that Jesus was a heretic, the young man calls Him “Good Teacher,” indicating his belief in Jesus’ teachings. Jesus replies, “No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18). Some interpret this to mean Jesus was admitting He was not good, suggesting He could sin or could make a mistake. This is incorrect. Jesus, who is God incarnate, is without sin and incapable of making errors.
The Issue of Greed
Jesus listed the commandments related to our relationships with others: “Do not murder, commit adultery, steal, or bear false witness.” The young man confidently said he had kept these from his youth. Jesus, looking at him with love, replied, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Mark 10:19-21). Jesus loved this young man and pointed out the one thing he lacked. Consider this: If you had only a small amount of money, like 100 ringgits, and I asked you to sell everything and donate it to the church, you might think that this is indeed God’s will. But what if you had a million or ten million ringgits? Would you be as willing to give it all up? The young man was wealthy. Because of his wealth, he could outwardly keep commandments 5 through 10. Since he lacked nothing, he could afford to give to others and live as a seemingly good person.
Jesus loved him and promised him that treasures would overflow in heaven. However, when Jesus told him to sell all he had and give to the poor, the young man hesitated. His attachment to wealth made him abandon the path to eternal life.
This story challenges us to reflect on our attachments. We often confess that what we earn is by God’s grace and give our tithes. Tithing means acknowledging that 100% of what we have is from God, and by offering 1/10, we are returning 100% to Him. But what if God asks us to give everything? Could any of us say “Amen” without hesitation?
Luke 12:15 says, “Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” Similarly, Colossians 3:5 teaches that greed amounts to idolatry. Greed is the root of all sin. I pray that we will overcome it and the desires of the earthly nature.
Conclusion: The Essence of Christianity
The Righteous Are Those Who Seek God
Romans 3:10-12 declares that “there is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God.” Righteousness is not about moral deeds but understanding God’s Word and earnestly seeking Him. Even the morally upright fall short if they do not seek God. Psalm 55:1-3 highlights that those who do not seek God cannot do good. This does not mean we should not strive to be morally good, but God’s standards surpass human moral standards. To be truly righteous, we must genuinely pursue God.
Eternal Life Comes Only Through Jesus
When Jesus said, “No one is good except God alone,” He was emphasizing His divine identity. The young man called Him “Good Teacher” without recognizing Him as God. Jesus revealed He is the Savior, the source of eternal life (John 17:3). When asked, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” the disciples gave humanistic answers (Matthew 16:13-17). But Peter declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” a truth revealed by God the Father. To receive eternal life, we must believe in Jesus as the Son of God and not just a good teacher.
I Am a Sinner
When Jesus mentioned the commandments to the young man, he claimed to have kept all of them. Romans 3:20 teaches that “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” The Law reveals sin. Therefore, when confronted with the commandments, the young man should have confessed, “I am a sinner,” and sought forgiveness from Jesus. Many of us, when admonished by God’s Word, make excuses rather than confessing our sins. God gave the Law to reveal sinfulness, not to justify ourselves. We must confess, “I am a sinner,” and live in gratitude for the grace of Jesus Christ.
As we remember the essence of Christianity, we remain on the right path, regardless of changing times or circumstances. I believe there will be a blessed work in which we all reach eternal life, and I pray this in the name of the Lord.
The Lord's Covenant Church Malaysia 