LUKE 18:18. “And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” NEEDS MET. v.1-8 FAITH – from God, through His Word; real confidence in another Person; Given when the need is urgent - Will He find faith when He comes? v.9-12 RIGHTEOUSNESS – not earned, not deserved, nor claimed by self. Given when humility is real – Is my head bowed? v.13 MERCY – longed for, needed, petitioned, asked for from the right Person. Given by grace when the heart is broken – What is the condition of my heart? v.14 JUSTIFIED – God alone can do this; He sees and knows what I am. Given when the soul is humbled – Is my contrition real? v.15-17 BLESSING – in times when we wonder what to do about helplessness; Given to those helpless ones, what is needed – Do I thank Him for blessings? v.18-27 ETERNAL LIFE – from God comes a gift we need more than all others, Given to those never will deserve it – Am I enjoying eternal life? v.31-43 SIGHT – seeing God in every situation, enables us to enjoy Him more. Given when we call to the right Person – Have I called on His name?
“O Father God, how can I thank Thee sufficiently for such a gift of eternal life. It is an overpowering thought that Thou dost give Thy life – that which is uniquely God’s, to such a failing, small insignificant man. I praise Thee for this, and give Thee glory, praise and thanks, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”