A popular message implies that it is easy for a rich Christian to enter heaven. Jesus said just the opposite (Matthew 19:16-28). False teachings imply that wealth is God's blessing. Then why did Jesus say it is hard for a wealthy Christian to enter heaven? It is a battle. "The wealthy are generally held captive by their wealth." (Hagner, D. A. (2002). Vol. 33B: Word Biblical Commentary: Matthew 14-28. Word Biblical Commentary (562). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.) Are poor Christians cursed and wealthy Christians blessed? The Jews also believed this. It is impossible for rich or poor to be saved, except for the greatest miracle of all time, God's grace: "where humanity is helpless, God can." (The Gospel of Matthew New International Commentary on the New Testament, NICNT, by: R.T. France, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2007)
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