by Dave Brown
Ye often hear it said ...
Christians have to give up so much . . .
but Jesus said (Luke 18:29-30):
"Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or wife, or brethren, or parents, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this time, and in the world to come eternal life."
Most Christians (and people of the world, for that matter) understand the concept of "giving up" evil things of this world for the eternal reward in heaven. However, it takes real faith to believe the words of Jesus above.
Think about it. He is stating that we give up nothing; instead, we receive "manifold more in this time." Why would anyone who believes these words have any desire to sin? When we lust after worldly things we demonstrate clearly that we do not believe Jesus.
This verse also shows so clearly the reason that salvation is not of works. Since we give up nothing in our service to the Lord, how can we believe that we can in any way earn our salvation? Indeed, salvation is of faith, and those who believe what Jesus said here will render obedience to him "from their youth," now matter what their physical age at the time.