That having material possessions is an obstacle and indication of sin that keeps men from salvation is considered, today. Correctly understood, the condemnation upon those having property and wealth first centers in their inherited nature as sons of Adam. Divine blessing, therefore, goes beyond success in human terms (e.g., authority, celebrity, control, family size, independence, amassing valuable objects, owning luxuries). Included as godly success are such features as spiritual adoption, baptism, and rebirth that establish sacred anointing and eternal endowment. Because money and wealth encourage a fixed and narrow focus upon things that are earthly, the rich are often “blind” and fail to invest in the things that pertain to their own eternal life. Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below: James 2: 5, King James Version (KJV): 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? Also, John 9: 39-41, KJV: 39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. 40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? 41 Jesus said unto them, if ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. A fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Steve” (Level 2 with 811 points, a member since August 30, 2015) posted the following:
Why do rich 'Christians' ignore Jesus' words: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter Heaven?
Will all Christians with material possessions go to hell? How does that make you feel?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1st Peter 5: 2-4, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Blessing and Inheritance from Abraham? (06/05/2014); On Christians Executing Judgment (06/06/2014); The Rich in Divine Relationship? (11/29/2013); We Are Still Sinning? (11/30/2013); Sacrificial Relationship? (10/23/2013); Relationship by Unselfish Giving? (10/24/2013); Prosperity Destroys Fools (09/25/2012); Life and Death (09/26/2012)
“Steve”, here are some points I can share as a mature Christian believer:
(1.) Many presumptuously take words spoken by the Savior for admonition, instruction, and warning to also be weapons they may use for condemnation and final judgment of others. Correctly understood, the Savior provided guidance to prepare mankind for the transformation to exist as eternal, immortal, and incorruptible. The wealthy are as in need of mercy and salvation as the poor, and working class. Having wealth is not reprimanded so much as misusing wealth, denying divine grace, and assuming that redemption and salvation are through barter, trade and merchandising. Ezekiel 17: 49-50, King James Version (KJV): 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.
(2.) In the holy writings, we see that wealth is bestowed as blessing upon those who serve divinity, and this further enables mankind’s participation in the fulfillment of eternal purposes. Yet, we see mendicancy (begging) and poverty serving divine purposes as well. The ministry of Jesus as an itinerant rabbi was supported by the contributions and gifts of others. Isaiah 2: 10-12, KJV: 10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. 12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.
(3.) The incident where a rich, young ruler asked what he might do to obtain eternal life—beyond obeying the law of Moses, and continuing in the ancient covenants—allowed Jesus to teach that ones character and nature are the focus of judgment along with their being in correct relationship, rather than their position, rank and social status. Isaiah 1: 17, KJV: 17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Material wealth is vain (i.e., lacks divine substance), is temporal (can not endure; does not last), and is unstable. The many subtleties (i.e., hidden shifts in intent, meaning, and value) introduced by the burdens of accountability, duty, hard work, and responsibility associated with acquiring and maintaining wealth generate many of the same effects as idol worship, and devotion to Mammon. 1st Chronicles 29: 11-13, KJV: 11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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