The Rich Young Ruler

Jim ButlerMatthew 19:16–22

What must a man do to inherit eternal life? The rich young ruler's question exposes the deepest error of fallen religion: the assumption that man possesses the moral ability to commend himself to a holy God. This sermon expounds Matthew 19:16–22, tracing Christ's deliberate use of the law — particularly the tenth commandment — not as a path of salvation but as a hammer to shatter the young man's self-righteousness and drive him to seek grace outside himself. The central application is urgent: stop asking what you shall do and ask instead in whom you shall believe, for justification is by faith alone in Christ alone, whose righteousness becomes yours and whose cross bears your sin.