WHAT SHALL I DO?
Some in our nation do not believe in eternal life. Others believe, and desire to have such as a final inheritance. This was the case of the man who asked Jesus "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life (Mt. 19:16).
Jesus answer was one of simplicity. "Keep the commandments". The man then asked, which, as if all were not important. Jesus enumerated several, to which he replied he had kept these from his youth. After being told he still lacked one thing, and what that was, sorrow overtook his desire for eternal life. He was told to obtain life in the hereafter required the giving up of what he was after here, the riches of this life. His possessions were more important to him than eternal life.
In Acts 2 we find another account of the question "What shall I do"? In this situation we find those who were guilty of crucifying Jesus. After being told what they were guilty of some inquired about how to correct what they had done. They were told to "repent and be baptized", and 3000 of them obeyed. The account does not say what they were required to give up to follow Jesus, but we know from history and other scriptures that many suffered to the point of death. The reaction of those on Pentecost was the opposite of the man with riches.
Pilate found himself asking this same question when the multitude decided to seek the freedom of Barabbas instead of Jesus. He then asked them, "What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called Christ?" (Mt. 27:22) The reply was to crucify him. Pilate tried to change their minds by asking "Why, what evil hath he done"? The cry for crucifixion grew even louder until Jesus was delivered to them, and Pilate tried to distance himself from what was happening by washing his hands, calling Jesus a righteous man, and telling the crowd that his blood was on them. Although he tried to cleanse himself of guilt his choice of what to do with Jesus would eliminate the hope of eternal life. He allowed the giver of life to be put to death.
As the above, all will make a choice about life after death. All must ask, "What shall I do". Life after death is a biblical fact. The only choice we have to make is where we want to spend it. If we reject Jesus, and will not follow him because of what we have or want in this life, we will be as the man with great riches. If we answer like Pilate, we will find that no one can pass the buck. The correct answer is the one the 3000 gave on the day of Pentecost when they repented, and were baptized for remission of sins.
Man has concocted many answers to "What shall I do". The only right answer was given by inspiration from God himself. Do you want eternal salvation or eternal damnation? Your choice of what to do with Jesus and his commandments will make the determination.
Jack