Welcome and thank you for taking a bible break to test your knowledge of God's word. This week's question:

The desire for many in this world is for everlasting life! Jesus tells the Jewish leaders who have denied Him as the Christ, "You search the scriptures because that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me , that you may have life." (John 5:39-40) and, "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes…Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear shall live." (John 5:21, 24-25), and, "For this is the will of My Father, that every one who beholds the Son, and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I myself will raise him up on the last day. …Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life." (John 6:40-47), and finally, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32). And so we search the scriptures today to abide in Him that we may have life.

And that brings us to our question, "What is easier than a rich man to enter heaven?". Peter tells us of the difficulty of entering heaven, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. …For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right." (1 Peter 4:12 & 17-19).

And so we can see it will be with difficulty that the righteous will be saved and of course that the road to destruction will be wide with many treading upon it, "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are they who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus also tells the multitudes who were taught by the Jewish religious leaders, "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20).

When the Lord asks Satan about His servant Job, Satan says that God has built a fence about him by blessing him with great wealth in this world. But Jesus tells us something else about wealth in this physical realm. While many do toil for great gain, we are warned, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal;" (Matthew 6:19-20). The one who is rich in this life on earth, is often not rich towards God, "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. …And do not seek what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek for His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you."
(Luke 12:21 & 30-31).

And so to answer our question, we turn to the book of Mark where a rich man asks Jesus what he lacked for heaven and Jesus told him, "'One thing you lack; go and sell all you possess, and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; come and follow Me.' But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property. And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, 'How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!' And His disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, 'Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 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.' And they were even more astonished and said to Him, 'Then who can be saved?' Looking upon them, Jesus said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."
(Mark 10:21-27).

And so there we have the answer to our question, as it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to go to heaven. But remember, all things are possible with God!

Where do you put your treasure? In this earthly domain, or in those spiritual riches? The Lord wants us to become rich, "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed." (1Timothy 6:17-19) .