Almost Saved

1. Rich young ruler

A rich young ruler came to Jesus one day wondering what he must do to live eternally. He had doubtless heard all the others the Sadducees who said there is no eternal life just what we have today. The Pharisees who said there is eternal life and here is an encyclopedia of laws we have written to get there but he still knew something was missing.

Then he heard about a master, one who could heal the sick, raise the dead, make blind eyes open, raise up the lame forgiving the sinful, bringing back the lost, and he heard he was talking about heaven I don’t doubt the servants were telling him go to him he will show you the way!

Matthew 19:16-22 (KJV 1900)

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

a. What good thing shall I do? He wanted to know the one “secret to heaven” (which commandment)

b. Jesus was interested in saving his soul

c. Keep the commandments then began naming them off

2. I am just as good as anyone else

Matthew 19:20 (KJV 1900)

20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

a. The young man had kept all the commandments but something was lacking

b. A lot of people today think their saved because they aren’t any worse.

c. But the young man knew something was not right

3. Jesus had love for that young man as he has for you

Mark 10:21 (KJV 1900)

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

a. Jesus loved him as he loves you. “One thing you lack”

b. That boy was almost persuaded but now lost today I ask you are you almost

Psalm 139:23-24 (KJV 1900)

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.

c. Jesus is here for you is there only one thing that stands between you and heaven?

Acts 26:28 (KJV 1900)

28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

He was almost saved; but lost, what about you?