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Explanation for:
Matthew
19
:
21
Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Clement of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a47f4d84651d9fafd55_Clement%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":2,"exegesis-text":"\\"If you desire to be perfect...\\" (Matthew 19:21). This indicates that the young man had not yet achieved perfection, since \\"nothing is more perfect than the perfect.\\" The Lord's statement highlights the free will of the soul that addresses Him, emphasizing that it is man's responsibility as a free agent to make choices, and that God's gifts are bestowed upon those who earnestly seek and ask. Salvation is accessible only to those who strive for it; God does not compel, for coercion is abhorrent to Him. Instead, He responds to those who seek Him, grants to those who ask, and opens to those who knock (Matt. 7:7; Luke 11:9). Therefore, if you genuinely wish, and are truthful with yourself, strive to obtain what is lacking within you. There is indeed one crucial element that endures eternally: the goodness that transcends the law, which it cannot offer or contain and is exclusive to those who possess life within themselves. Yet, despite having religiously adhered to the law from a young age, the young man could not attain this singular, vital aspect—the eternal life he longed for, which the Savior possessed. He left, sorrowful, because he found this commandment of life overwhelmingly difficult to obey. In truth, he did not truly desire life, as he claimed; rather, he sought to bolster his own reputation for piety. He was distracted by many concerns yet lacked the fortitude to truly enhance the essence of life. Just as Martha, concerned with many tasks, was confused in her service and reproached her sister for sitting and listening at His feet, the Lord told her: \\"You are anxious and troubled about many things... But Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her\\" (Luke 10:41). Similarly, the Lord directed the young man away from unnecessary complexities, urging him toward the singular focus on the grace that offers eternal life. What, then, led the young man to withdraw without justification, abandoning his hopes and aspirations? \\"Sell your possessions\\" (Matthew 19:21). What does this command entail? It is not merely a call to dispose of his material wealth, as some might hastily interpret. Rather, it is an invitation to release false beliefs about wealth from his soul, to rid himself of greed and desire, and to remove the thorns of life that choke the Word's seed. It is insignificant to be devoid of anything when it pertains to (eternal) life; otherwise, one would have nothing at all, reduced to walking naked and begging for daily sustenance. Those unaware of God and His righteousness often consider themselves blessed despite their lack of material possessions, but true wealth comes from a rich relationship with God. Renouncing riches and offering to the needy is not a new concept; many have done this prior to the Savior's coming. Some did so to pursue knowledge or for vanity, such as Anaxagoras, Democritus, and Crates. What, then, constitutes the novel command that the Savior imparts? What is it that He demands that the ancients lacked for their salvation? How does the new creation differ? The Son of God articulates this, commanding not simply the external renunciation others practiced, but rather an inner transformation. He commands the unveiling of the soul's disposition, urging one to identify and purge passions from the heart. This obedience is fitting for a believer and aligns with the teachings of the Savior. Those in ancient times who dismissed external possessions may have abandoned them, yet their inner passions flourished, leading to pride and disdain for others, believing themselves to be superior. Would the Savior truly advise seekers of eternal life to engage in actions detrimental to the life He promises? Even if He did, a person who relinquished material possessions could still harbor greed and desire for them, leading to spiritual distress. To lose the essentials of life without being disheartened is improbable, and parting with treasured belongings while coveting them would only result in torment. \\n\\nPerfection undoubtedly has various levels. In this context, the notion of \\"perfect\\" contrasts it with imperfection. The law is flawed; Christ embodies perfection. The Savior states, \\"If you wish to be perfect...\\" implying that the law is inadequate. Salvation is divine work yet must also be pursued and owned by humanity. The metaphor of the pearl from the Gospel conveys that true life cannot be purchased or attained through righteous deeds alone; it is a gift of the Savior's grace. With \\"life,\\" the term used here resonates with the concept of eternal life. The young man forsook the efforts spent fulfilling the law, because such fulfillment without Christ is ultimately futile. \\n\\nWealth possessed by people is ultimately transient and worthless; true treasure lies in a soul cleansed from passions—naked and pure—able to hear the Savior’s call: \\"Come, follow me...\\" (Mark 19:21). For He is the way for those with pure hearts. The grace of God cannot enter an impure soul; thus, those burdened with worldly desires remain unclean. A person who views possessions, such as gold, silver, and property, as gifts from God and uses their wealth for the benefit of others, serving God, can rightfully claim to own rather than be enslaved by material goods. Through good deeds, if he loses such possessions, he should part with them peacefully, remaining indifferent to their absence, as he was to their possession. Such a person is praised by the Lord, regarded as blessed and acknowledged as poor in spirit (Mt. 5:3), worthy to inherit the kingdom of heaven. \\n\\nA beggar in spirit embodies the true essence of poverty; conversely, one who lacks from a worldly standpoint but is rich in passions does not embody true poverty. It is not to those who are materially poor but rich in spiritual wealth that the Savior speaks when He says: \\"Separate your soul from the foreign riches that have accumulated within you, such that, remaining pure in heart, you may behold God,\\" equating to \\"Enter the Kingdom of God\\" (Matthew 19:24). How can one shed the worldly riches built up within the soul? \\"Sell it\\" (Matt. 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22). What does this truly imply? Is it converting possessions to money? Swapping one form of wealth for another? Not at all. Instead, it demands replacing the inner wealth with divine and eternal life that comes from God. Experience joy in God's commandments, as adherence leads to rewards and everlasting glory, happiness, and life. In doing so, you will genuinely part with excess and restore what leads to salvation. Let those in need possess worldly wealth; you shall acquire spiritual riches, securing eternal treasure. Who among the wealthy will find salvation?"},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What, then, is Christ? In setting forth a challenging command, He initially presents a promise of reward for its fulfillment. He states, “If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell thy possessions, and give to the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and follow me” (v. 21). Do you recognize the reward and the crowns that Christ assures for this endeavor? If the young man had approached Him with insincerity, He would not have made such a statement. Yet, in an effort to draw the young man closer, He offers a significant reward while allowing him the freedom of choice, gently concealing the more difficult aspects of His directive. Therefore, before He discusses achievements and effort, He first extends the promise of a reward: “if thou wilt be perfect,” followed by the instruction to “sell thy possessions and give to the poor.” Again, He returns to the promise: “Have treasure in heaven, and follow me,” emphasizing that following Jesus is a tremendous reward, along with the treasure in heaven. Since the matter concerns wealth, the Savior instructs the young man to relinquish all, revealing that He not only does not deprive him of his riches but bestows upon him even greater wealth—riches far surpassing those he is asked to give up, as the heavens exceed the earth, and more still. This treasure signifies an abundant reward, the sole treasure that cannot be taken away, offered to the young man as much as is humanly possible. Hence, it is insufficient merely to disregard wealth; one must actively support the needy and, most significantly, follow Christ—meaning to obey His commands and be ready to endure suffering and even to face death. “If any man will come after me,” He declares, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Undoubtedly, the call to sacrifice one’s life is more arduous than the call to abandon one’s wealth, yet the fulfillment of the latter greatly aids in pursuing the former."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The desire for perfection lies within our own control. However, those who aspire to attain perfection must relinquish all their possessions; it is not sufficient to part with just a portion, as Ananias and Sapphira did. Instead, one must completely surrender everything and generously give to the needy, thereby securing a treasure in the heavenly kingdom. Yet, even this act will only lead to true perfection when, in renouncing material wealth, a person chooses to follow the Savior by turning away from evil and embracing righteousness. In truth, it is often easier to disregard wealth than to turn away from worldly pleasures. Numerous individuals may abandon their riches yet fail to pursue the Lord. To truly follow the Lord is to emulate His actions and tread in His path. Anyone claiming to remain in Him must conduct themselves in the same manner as He did."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Lord provided him not with words that were desirable but rather with truths that were unwelcome, including matters he had not previously considered. In doing so, the Lord presented him with the reality of the law, complemented by the substance of true nourishment. He urged him to \\"Go, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,\\" assuring him that confidence in these treasures would be justly placed, as they are secured for him. Regardless of how much one may accumulate on earth, he was advised to aspire for more than earthly hopes. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (cf. Matt. 6:21)—and that treasure ought not to be on this earth. Rather than the milk and honey offered to the immature, the mature are presented with trials like nails and the cross. “Unless,” He states, “you demonstrate good works before Me, your Judge, you shall not receive eternal life. From this point forward,” He continues, “you will require different provisions” (cf. Matt. 5:16). Thus, He fulfills the absence of the old law with the new, declaring, “I have come not to abolish, but to fulfill it” (cf. Matt. 5:17). While the law blesses by proclaiming, “You shall inherit land and wealth,” His command to pursue other needs from this point exemplifies His fulfillment of the law. Understand that the Giver of wealth and the Preserver of it, that it might not be taken by thieves, are one and the same. The former provides earthly treasures while the latter establishes a treasury in heaven. In this way, the law granted material goods while the Lord bestowed spiritual riches, with each fulfilling their roles appropriately. Earthly possessions may be acquired by those who are willing to act against their own inheritance, yet divine gifts belong to those who lay down their lives. God conferred material wealth upon the patriarchs to inspire the Jewish people to emulate their righteous ancestors and care for the needy. However, many of the descendants focused on the wealth rather than the virtue of their forebears, while the Gentiles turned toward truth rather than riches. The Lord instructed him, “Do these things, and you will live.” Yet when He added, “You will require different provisions from now on,” He clarified that His coming was neither empty nor without purpose. The incompleteness of the old covenant does not necessitate a recognition of a differing deity. If the Pharisee had falsely claimed, “I have fulfilled this,” who could have stopped him from additionally asserting, “I do this also”? A dishonest individual typically shows no restraint against deceit. But would he not feel even a hint of apprehension before those aware of his failure to perform those actions, especially if he lacked the humility to admit, “I do this as well”?"},{"author-name":"Isaac the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d787dfcb52d241ef899_Isaac%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"When he sought further understanding, he asked him, \\"If you wish to be complete, sell your belongings and assist the needy,\\" and take up your cross, \\"and follow me\\" (Matthew 19:21). This conveys the idea of renouncing all that you own, and then living in Me; leaving behind the former life dominated by earthly desires to embrace the new life in the Spirit; shedding the conduct of wickedness and deceit, and instead adopting the straightforward path of truth. The Lord’s instruction to \\"Take up your cross\\" (see Matthew 16:24) signifies that one must renounce all worldly connections. After crucifying the old self, which refers to base desires, He urged him, \\"Follow me\\" (Matt. 19:21). The carnal self cannot pursue the way of Christ, as Blessed Paul affirmed: \\"For flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption\\" (1 Cor. 15:50); and again, \\"put off the old man, who is consumed by lusts,\\" and then you may don the new, renewed in the knowledge of the image of Him who created him (see Eph. 4:22, 24); and further: \\"the wisdom of the flesh is enmity against God; for the law of God cannot be obeyed by the flesh\\" (Rom. 8:7). However, you, beloved, if you cherish a pure heart and the spiritual wisdom you have spoken of, hold fast to the commandments of the Lord, as our Savior expressed: \\"If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments\\" (Matthew 19:17), out of love for Him who provided them, not out of fear or expectation of reward. We experience the hidden sweetness found in truth, not simply through righteous actions, but when our hearts are deeply moved by the love of truth; and we fall into sin, not merely when we commit wrongdoings, but when we fail to abhor it and seek repentance. I assert that neither the ancients nor those of more recent times, who have not adhered to the commandments, have achieved purity or been granted spiritual insight; indeed, I believe that anyone who has not kept the commandments and has not followed in the footsteps of the blessed apostles is unworthy of the title 'saint.'"},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"If you aspire to attain perfection, meaning if you desire to be a disciple of mine and a true follower of Christ, then you should sell your belongings and promptly distribute everything you have, ensuring that you keep nothing for yourself. If your goal is to achieve perfection, that is, to be my disciple and a follower of Christ, you must go ahead and sell your possessions, giving them all away simultaneously, leaving nothing behind under the guise of a continual desire to provide charity. He did not instruct: \\"give to the needy,\\" but rather \\"give everything and become destitute.\\" Furthermore, because some individuals, despite their compassion, live in a state of spiritual impurity, Christ invites them by saying, \\"and come and follow me,\\" which signifies the necessity of embodying all other virtues as well. \\n\\n*****\\n\\nSee Matthew 19:29."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As his possessions, specifically his riches, were a hindrance to truly following Christ, He instructs him to sell his wealth and share it with those in need. Thus, He states, \\"If thou wilt be perfect,\\" for those who adhere solely to the commandments of the law are incomplete, as these laws are flawed due to the frailty of the Israelites. When He promises him a treasure, it serves as a consolation for his greed, assuring him of a far greater reward in heaven. The heavenly treasure represents the acknowledgment given to the righteous for their good works. \\"Follow me\\" signifies the call to emulate His way of life and adhere to His teachings, which is what is lacking for someone who has followed all the legal requirements."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"What does it signify to follow Christ as stated in Matthew 19:21, particularly after relinquishing our possessions and embracing the cross? To follow Christ implies dedicating our earthly existence entirely to the pursuit of heavenly rewards, mirroring how the God-man lived during His time on earth. Those who conduct themselves righteously in the world, adhering to the teachings of the Gospel, reflect the character of the Son of God through their virtuous behavior and mindset. In contrast, those who have renounced worldly desires and practice asceticism, thereby drawing the grace of the Holy Spirit as a result of their self-denial for the sake of sin (Romans 8:10), achieve a deeper resemblance to the God-Man. They are guided by the Spirit of God and are numbered among His children (Romans 8:14), having formed themselves into the likeness of the heavenly Man, the second Adam, the God-Man (1 Corinthians 15:47-49). It is not mere letters or superficial comprehension of the Scriptures that demonstrate their status as God's children, but rather the Holy Spirit Himself, who fills them and becomes one with their spirit (Romans 8:16). If they are children, then they are also heirs: true heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). How can such honor arise for a humble, fallen being? It is through the living faith in Christ, our Creator and Redeemer, which empowers God's elect not only to recognize the Redeemer in their hearts but also to proclaim Him through their actions, by forsaking the world, accepting their cross—comprising both voluntary and involuntary afflictions—and performing the will of God, which is good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2). For the Apostle says to all followers of Christ’s path, \\"If we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him\\" (Romans 8:17). St. Paul contrasts the eternal, heavenly glory awaiting those who endure for Christ, with the temporary hardships through which it is attained, stating, \\"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us\\" (Romans 8:18). These hardships hold no real weight! Our Almighty and All-Blessed Creator has infused such spiritual comfort into the suffering that trials for Christ's sake transform into a source of joy. The Great Martyr Eustratius proclaimed in his final prayer, \\"These bodily afflictions are a source of joy to Thy servants.\\" Similarly, the sorrows experienced by monks possess this same trait: amid their depths lies a wellspring of spiritual delight and joy, a foretaste of eternal bliss. The cross serves as a weapon of triumph, an exalted emblem of Christianity: \\"But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world\\" (Galatians 6:14)."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Before discussing achievements, the Lord presents a reward to the young man: Jesus said to him, “You have followed the Jewish customs; there is one thing you still lack (Mark 10:21): IF YOU DESIRE TO BE COMPLETE, if you are genuinely pursuing the perfection of the New Covenant, which represents the ultimate fulfillment and joy, then GO, DISPOSE OF YOUR POSSESSIONS AND DISTRIBUTE TO THE POOR, relinquish all without reservation—perform this act, and in return, you will receive a reward that will truly satisfy your spirit. You cherish treasure, and you will POSSESS that treasure, not here on earth, but in Heaven. I am not merely robbing you of your wealth; instead, I present the opportunity to trade this fleeting and mortal item for something imperishable, eternal, and heavenly, which cannot be taken from you. This you will acquire if you give the temporal, earthly element to those in need. I do not impose this extraordinary requirement on everyone, as not all can commit to a life of poverty and devotion; however, since you aspire to perfection, you are capable of it, and thus you must embrace this challenge. You will not only gain eternal life, but you will achieve true perfection, for I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). To help you overcome any grief from relinquishing your earthly wealth, COME to Me and follow Me, taking up your cross. I will empower you and provide support, you will look to My example in everything, and you will be a faithful disciple of Mine. ‘With the phrase if you will, the Savior also highlighted the free will of the soul engaging with Him,’ writes St. Clement of Alexandria. It is inherent to mankind, as beings of free will, to choose, while it is God’s nature, as Sovereign, to give; however, He only gives to those who genuinely desire, long for, and seek, so that salvation might become a work of our own... Thus, if you are willing, rather than deluding yourself, grasp that which you lack—such goodness as the Law cannot provide, reserved for those who live by faith. ‘So, young man, is it truly possible not to wish for perfection? Can one not desire to follow Christ,’ reflects Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow, ‘especially when He Himself invites us to do so?’"},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"But if you wish to inherit eternal life, observe the commandments\\" (Matt. 19:17), our Lord Jesus Christ responded to a young man who inquired, \\"Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?\\" (Luke 18:18), essentially asking what good deeds are necessary for salvation. When the young man inquired, \\"What are the commandments?\\" the Lord directed him, as a Jewish believer in the true God, to the commandments concerning his neighbor. The young man claimed he had adhered to all these commandments, then further asked, \\"What do I still lack?\\" The Lord replied, \\"If you desire to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give to the poor; and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me, taking up your cross\\" (Matt. 19:20-21; Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22). Through the Lord's guidance, we learn that two blessed states are offered by Him to those who have faith in Him: the state of salvation and the state of Christian perfection. It is evident from the Lord's responses that the blessed state of salvation is accessible to all Christians, while perfection can only be achieved by those who share their possessions with the poor and renounce worldly ties to follow Christ, fully dedicating themselves to enduring the hardships, humiliations, and trials that may come, as is fitting for true followers of Christ, rejecting all justifications posed by worldly wisdom that opposes Christ and the cross.\\n\\nLet us reflect on what is required for salvation, as this is sought after by all believers and is available to them. It is important to note that the Lord was imparting His holy teachings to a Jewish believer, hence He emphasized the commandments related to our neighbors without addressing faith, which He mentioned on other occasions. To be saved, one must have faith in God, the Creator and Redeemer. \\"And this is eternal life,\\" our Savior stated, \\"that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent\\" (John 17:3). \\"He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life,\\" meaning he shall not attain salvation, \\"but the wrath of God abides on him\\" (John 3:36).\\n\\nIt is essential for those who wish to find salvation to belong to the Orthodox Church, the one true Church, and adhere to its teachings. The Lord compared the one who disregards the Church to a Gentile, a stranger to God (see Matt. 18:17). Every believer, when reciting the Creed, affirms faith in the One Holy and Apostolic Church, which acknowledges that apart from this One Church, no other Church exists—regardless of differing groups claiming the name of Church. Additionally, it is necessary for those seeking salvation to be baptized within the Orthodox Church in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As the Lord said: \\"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned\\" (Mark 16:16). \\n\\nIt is worth noting that in Greek, the language of the New Testament, the term \\"baptism\\" (baptisma) specifically refers to immersion. Therefore, wherever the terms \\"baptism,\\" \\"baptize,\\" or \\"baptized\\" appear in the New Testament, we should understand them as \\"immersion\\" or \\"submersion.\\" For example, the immersion of utensils in water, as in washing dishes, is referred to in the Gospel as the baptism of vessels (see Mark 7:8). The sacrament of Baptism has traditionally been administered through immersion for twelve centuries following Christ's Nativity, while in the West, starting in the twelfth century, the practice shifted to dousing and later to sprinkling in some communities.\\n\\nFurthermore, to be saved, individuals must repent of their sins and seek purification through confession, as Scripture attests: \\"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness\\" (1 John 1:8-9). The sacrament of Penance helps maintain and renew the purity achieved in Baptism, restoring our union with Christ, which is initiated through holy Baptism. \\"By the second Baptism you are baptized according to the sacrament of Christianity,\\" the priest administering this sacrament assures the penitent believer, as commanded by the Holy Church. The sacrament of Penance has been altered in the West and is often rejected by Protestant groups.\\n\\nFor one to attain salvation, it is requisite first to believe in God rightly, belong to the Orthodox Church, be baptized, be anointed, confess to receive purification from sins, and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. Secondly, as the Lord instructed the young man, one must adhere to the commandments of God. The Lord initially pointed out the commandments prohibiting severe sins. He echoed what Moses conveyed to ancient Israel: \\"You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness,\\" then He commanded the honoring of father and mother, and lastly, He instructed to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 19:18-20). \\n\\nThe Lord's silence on the command to love God indicates that love for God emanates from love for our neighbor. He who nurtures love for his neighbor also cultivates an invaluable treasure of love for God within his heart: \\"If we love one another,\\" stated St. John the Theologian, \\"God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us\\" (1 John 4:12). \\n\\nWhat does it mean to inherit salvation, to attain salvation? It signifies aligning oneself with the Redeemer and sustaining this alignment throughout one's earthly existence. After death, as a result of this union with the Redeemer, the soul transitions to the realm of blessed spirits, enjoying their holy company while awaiting the general resurrection, when it will be reunited with a glorified and incorruptible body, inheriting eternal bliss. Our Lord Jesus Christ embodies Life and the Source of Life; we participate in this life through our faith in His teachings, through Baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and through the sealing of baptism with holy anointing. \\n\\nThe Apostles' practice of laying hands on the newly baptized was substituted by anointing with holy oil. The Apostles blessed Baptism with the laying on of hands, thereby invoking the Holy Spirit upon the newly baptized (cf. Acts 19:6). We sustain and enrich our union with the Lord by repenting of our transgressions, partaking in His Body and Blood, and living in accordance with His holy commandments. Those who neglect to adhere to God's commandments, who do not consistently engage in repentance, who fail to maintain their oneness with Christ through communion with His Body and Blood, ultimately risk losing their connection to Christ and forfeiting their salvation. \\"If you keep My commandments,\\" the Lord said to His disciples, \\"you shall abide in My love. Whoever does not remain in Me shall be cast out like a branch, and wither; such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, and they are burned\\" (John 15:10, 6)."},{"author-name":"Kochomski S.W.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The invitation to relinquish worldly possessions, much like the call to maintain virginity, is not an absolute directive. For those seeking to achieve perfection, this pathway is essential. However, one may consider the alternative if perfection is not desired. Yet, can one truly not seek perfection when the Lord commands: \\"Be perfect, as your Father is perfect\\" (Matthew 5:48)? A person who does not pursue perfection cannot rightly be deemed a Christian. It is important to differentiate between the various meanings encapsulated by the term ‘perfect.’ Clearly, even a person who gives up worldly goods and adheres to a life of virginity cannot claim to mirror the perfection of the Heavenly Father. Thus, when Jesus speaks of ‘perfection’ (Matthew 19:21), it is in a relative sense. This concept of perfection is not grounded in the complete standard of God but is instead relative to our current capabilities, the circumstances of our earthly existence, and our lives in this world. This represents a type of perfection attainable on earth; contrasted with the infinite perfection discussed by the Lord during the Sermon on the Mount, it constitutes but a fraction—one among the countless facets of the limitless journey. It can now be understood that, while all Christians endlessly aspire towards absolute and boundless perfection, not all are able to traverse the entirety of the path available in this lifetime. Some among them may ascend to a life akin to that of angels, existing on earth as if in heaven, achieving all that is possible, while others may scarcely begin the journey toward perfection. The phrase 'If you want to be perfect' is to be interpreted as meaning: 'if you desire to attain the level of perfection that is accessible to you in this life.'"},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To achieve perfection and attain eternal life, one must ensure that nothing is lacking and that there are no obstacles in their path. When instructed to \\"Go, sell your possessions,\\" the young man claimed to have adhered to the commandments of the law. However, the law mandates that one must love others as oneself and prioritize love for God above all else. The Lord clarified to the young man that if he truly possessed or even desired such love, he needed to commit himself and all he owned to God and those in need. Thus, regarding his wealth, he was told to \\"sell your possessions, distribute them to the poor, and - follow me.\\" The phrase \\"Follow Me\\" indicates a call to discipleship (cf. note on Matthew 4:19). The promise of \\"treasure in heaven\\" symbolizes the reward for such actions (cf. note on Matthew 6:20). Jesus instructs the young man to relinquish his earthly riches, revealing that He does not merely strip him of his wealth but instead offers a greater treasure, one that far surpasses what he is asked to give — a reward so abundant that it cannot be taken by any force and is presented in the most relatable way possible. Thus, it is insufficient to merely disdain wealth; it must be utilized for the welfare of the poor and, crucially, one must also follow Christ, which includes adhering to His commands and being prepared to endure hardship and even death (Zlat.). The directive concerning the sharing of possessions with the needy is presented conditionally: \\"if thou wilt be perfect.\\" This concept, similar to the discourse on celibacy, reflects the understanding that not everyone can accept this teaching: \\"not all can contain this word. Whoever can contain it, let him contain it\\" (Matthew 19:11, 12)."}]}
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