Dr Tom Hover
January 18, 2026
Matthew 19:16-26
WHY MOST WILL MISS HEAVEN!
WHY MOST WILL MISS HEAVEN!
A Morally Rich Man Who Was Spiritually Bankrupt!
Matthew 19:16-26
Introduction: Most people believe that most people will make it to Heaven when they died. However, Jesus said; Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
In out text a very sincere young man came to Jesus to inquire about the means of living forever! Now, who doesn’t want to live forever? Every person that I know does! However, too many are like this young man. They become interested in spiritual things and come face to face with the Lord Jesus and decide not to follow Him and receive Him into their lives. What a tragedy! Far too many people miss Heaven every day because they miss the reality of the real Jesus. They are just like the rich young ruler. I want you to see the type of person this young man was: He Was Eager, Humble, Courageous, Discerning, Spiritually Minded, Morally Clean. In spite of all these good attributes, I want to tell you how this young man misses Heaven. It may be that you are more like this young man than you realize. Notice with me the mistakes that the rich young ruler made. Be careful so that you don’t make the same mistakes that he made because most do.
I. MOST PEOPLE HAVE THE WRONG IDEAS ABOUT SALVATION. Matthew 19:16
And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? There are many false views concerning salvation! (Works, faith plus, birthright, denomination, etc.) God says there is only one way. Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, John 14:6, Acts 4:12
If you will ever be saved, then you must get to the cross and meet Jesus!
II. MOST PEOPLE HAVE THE WRONG IDEAS ABOUT JESUS THE SAVIOR. Matthew 19:16-17
A. He Called Jesus “A Good Master”
B. Any other view concerning Jesus but that He is 100% God and 100% man will never bring you to the place of salvation. John 1:1, John 1:14C. You must believe it all, or you cannot be saved! Romans 10:9 Confess!
III. MOST PEOPLE REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR SINS. Matthew 19:17-20 A. “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” - No Way!
A. Salvation is always preceded by:
1. Conviction of sins John 6:44, John 16:8, John 6:65
There can be not Transformation without Proper Confrontation!
2. Confession of sins I John 1:9, Luke 18:9-14, Isaiah 64:6
3. Sin can never be dealt with until it is brought out into the open.
Proverbs 28:13, Revelation 3:20 Salvation is not a reward for the righteous. It is a Gift for the guilty!
IV. MOST PEOPLE HOLD THEIR STUFF TOO TIGHTLY.
Matthew 19:21-22 “If thou wilt be perfect,”
“Sorrowful he had great possessions!” Wealth is not necessarily evil, but it can be a curse because it often causes people to reject Christ.
Matthew 22:36-40, No material possession is worth going to Hell over!
Mark 8:34-38, God promises us more in return that we could ever give up: Luke 12:32
VI. JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES
A. Jesus Gives Council Matthew 19:23-24
B. Jesus’ Disciples Are Confused Matthew 19:25-27
C. Jesus Set the Record Straight Matthew 19:26
THREE STRIKES IN THE GAME OF LIFE, AND YOU ARE OUT.
There are only three great opportunities to be saved and go to Heaven and that’s all! You see, theoretically, there are three ways that you can go to Heaven—just like in baseball. You got three strikes, theoretically.
# 1. You Can Die Before the Age of Accountability
# 2. You Can Keep the Whole Law of God
# 3. You Can Receive Christ as Your Personal Savior and Lord
Conclusion: In every man’s heart, in every man’s life, there’s a throne. If self is on the throne, Christ is on the cross. If self is on the cross, Christ is on the throne.
Join us tonight at 6pm for the evening service. You will be glad you did!
