Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler

Those who believe the true gospel are like children who are quick to learn and follow what they are taught. In contrast, the rich young ruler had a stubborn will. Although he was unsatisfied with his religion and questioned his eternal estate, yet when the Truth Himself told him of his need to repent and depart from his prior professions of faith, he rejected the very word of Truth. This self-righteous man clung tightly to his free will religion rather than knowing God's sovereignty and His effectual work of grace. He was ignorant of God's righteousness and therefore went about to establish his own righteousness.