[Belial]

Jesus was not telling the ruler he was not saved. Jesus was telling the ruler why his life was not abundant.

Actually, Jesus wasn't talking to a ruler at all in that bit of Scripture. He was talking to a young rich man in a crowd. (Matthew 19:20-23)

I say that Jesus was saying what he said:

Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

[ArGee]

Matthew 19:16-17 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."

The answer to how the man can be saved.

Matthew 19:20-21 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

The answer to how the man can go even farther.

Matthew 19:23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

A comment on the kinds of things that distract a man from following G-d.

Is anything distracting you?

Shalom.