As someone who works in the tech field and balances daily financial responsibilities—paying for a home, maintaining a car, and providing for my family—I often reflect on the intersection of wealth, purpose, and faith. Recently, I came across Pastor John Stange’s thoughts on a question many people grapple with: Can rich people go to heaven?
This question goes beyond curiosity—it touches on how we live our lives and where we place our trust. Drawing from Pastor Stange’s insights, I want to share what I’ve learned. Whether you’re rich, middle-class (like me), or struggling financially, the heart of the matter is trust—not in wealth, but in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Wealth and Eternal Life: The Story of the Rich Young Man
In Mark 10:17-31, we find a thought-provoking story about a wealthy man who approached Jesus. He asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17).
Jesus, in response, listed several commandments:
“Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.” (Mark 10:19).
The man confidently replied, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” (Mark 10:20).
Jesus, seeing the man’s heart, lovingly challenged him: “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21).
The man went away sorrowful, for his possessions were great (Mark 10:22).
This story highlights a critical issue: where do we place our trust? The man’s adherence to the commandments was admirable, but his true allegiance was to his wealth. Jesus exposed this, teaching that salvation requires faith in Him—not in riches, works, or self-righteousness.
The Impossible Standard and God’s Grace
Jesus later remarked to His disciples: “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23). Using hyperbole, He added: “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.” (Mark 10:25).
The disciples, astonished, asked: “Then who can be saved?” (Mark 10:26).
Jesus answered: “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27).
This conversation underscores an essential truth: salvation isn’t something we can earn. As Romans 4:3-5 explains, righteousness comes through faith, not works:
“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. … To the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”
The Pull of Wealth and the Challenge of Trust
Wealth, while not inherently evil, often becomes an idol. Many people—including myself—struggle with the temptation to trust in financial security rather than God. Jesus’ challenge to the rich young man wasn’t about condemning riches but about freeing him from their hold.
Pastor Stange pointed out that “Many people die with a full bank account and a bankrupt soul.” This resonates deeply with me. As a tech professional, I see parallels in how we pursue career success, sometimes at the expense of our faith, family, or health. The key is not to let wealth define us or replace our trust in God.
Faith Like a Child
In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus emphasized the importance of childlike faith:
“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:14-15).
Children exemplify trust and contentment. They rely on others for their needs without the burden of self-sufficiency. This dependency is a beautiful picture of the faith God desires from us.
A personal example comes to mind: I once gave a simple toy to a child, and their joy was priceless. It wasn’t the value of the toy but their contentment in the moment. Similarly, God calls us to find satisfaction in Him, not in worldly possessions.
Riches and Responsibility
1 Timothy 6:17-19 offers further guidance on how to view wealth:
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
This passage reminds us that wealth is a tool, not a treasure. It can be used to bless others and advance God’s kingdom. However, it must never become the foundation of our hope.
The Eternal Perspective
Jesus assured His disciples that sacrifices made for His sake would be rewarded:
“There is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time… and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30).
The rewards of following Christ far outweigh anything we might lose. Wealth, fame, and success are fleeting, but the kingdom of God offers eternal joy and fulfillment.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on Pastor Stange’s teaching, I’m reminded that the ultimate question isn’t how much wealth we have but where we place our trust. Wealth can be a blessing or a burden, depending on how we use it. If we cling to it as our security, we risk missing the greater riches found in Christ.
To truly live, we must trust Jesus with childlike faith, letting go of the idols that compete for our hearts. Whether you’re rich, middle-class, or struggling, the invitation is the same: to find contentment, purpose, and salvation in Him alone.
What about you? Where is your trust today?
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