The Price of Salvation: Radical Amputation for Eternal Life

Christ's teaching on stumbling-blocks demands we examine the instruments of our own transgression. The hand lifts itself to violence, as Cain's did against Abel, or grasps what belongs to others, as Achan seized forbidden spoils. The feet quicken toward forbidden paths—Gehazi's hurried steps, the old man of God whom the lion struck down for disobedience. The eye kindles covetousness in the spirit of Eve, desiring what Elohim has withheld. This triple cord—to hurt, to trespass, to covet—binds us fast to sin.

Yet Christ's gentleness toward sin exists only to win from it, not to excuse it. Love that laid down life for enemies makes these demands upon friends. Jesus continually set before His hearers the price of salvation: a pearl purchased by selling all; a call requiring we leave—hate in comparison—houses, lands, and dearest kinship. It brings a sword to divide, a cross to bear.

To lose a foot means slow, painful walking. To lose a hand halves your power for gain and usefulness. To lose an eye means darkness and disfigurement. Yet by worldly arithmetic, eternal life is cheap at any price. A maimed career ending in heaven surpasses painless brilliance descending to fire unquenched. Are your sweetest possessions occasions of sin? Be rid of them. Cripple yourself for holiness' sake, and everlasting life shall make you whole.