Rich in Heaven?

Dear Victorious,

Jesus said that it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to get into heaven. Does this mean that rich people cannot go to heaven? If so why? I thought salvation was for everyone. (My brother and husband say that Jesus wasn't talking about a literal needle, but rather a needle gate in the Jerusalem wall.)

Betty Ann - Conshohoken, PA

Dear Betty Ann,

I've heard the needle gate argument. But whether Jesus was referring to an actual sewing needle or a needle gate doesn't change the context or meaning of what He said. Jesus used many metaphors and stories to make a point.

We don't for example, talk about how many sheep, how many coins, what kind of wine, or any of the other details of Jesus' stories. Neither do we need to spend time on what kind of needle Jesus was talking about. Such details really don't offer any real value. Moreover, the would not be able to change what Jesus said.

So what did Jesus say? What message did He want us to get from Matthew 19:24, where He said, "... it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God?" Most theologians and Bible scholars agree that Jesus was referring to the condition of the heart of the rich man.

People who have wealth often have hearts that are not contrite, surrendered, humbled or tender. Rather the hearts of the wealthy are often filled with greed, selfishness and pride, to name a few. Consider how they got that wealth. Consider what they do with their wealth. Consider how they regard their wealth. Consider what role that wealth plays in their priorities. What will they do for money?

Jesus also said, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21) What Jesus meant here is that even though someone may look good and righteous by the world's standards, even if they acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, and even if they are generous souls - they still won't get into heaven unless they've met the specific criteria for heaven.

Rich or poor, anyone who expects to get into heaven should have tangible evidence that they have made Jesus lord of their lives. They must have put Him first in all things. And the fact that they have acknowledged His lordship will be demonstrated by their obedience. It is as simple as that.

The bottom line is that I do expect to see rich people in heaven. But if I do, it will be because they were able to put their money in its proper perspective and keep it there. It won't be because they said they were Christians or went to church.