"Socerdotalism"

19:16-22, Mark 10:17-22, and Luke 18:18-23.

The Encounter:

• A rich young ruler approaches Jesus, addressing him respectfully as "good teacher" (Matthew) or "good Master" (Mark and Luke).
• He asks Jesus, "What good deed must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Matthew)

Jesus' Response:

• Jesus reminds him to obey the commandments (honoring parents, not killing, not committing adultery, not stealing, not bearing false witness, honoring your father and mother, and loving your neighbor as yourself) (Matthew 19:18-19).

The Young Ruler's Response:

• The young ruler claims to have followed all these commandments from his youth (Matthew 19:20).

• Seeing the young man's sincerity, Jesus offers a higher calling: "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your belongings and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21)

Sola fide, a Latin term meaning "faith alone," is a key doctrine in Protestant theology, particularly Lutheranism and Reformed traditions. It emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ is the sole means of salvation, not through good works, religious rituals, or following laws perfectly.

   Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."