Are There Money Bags in Heaven?

 

"Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys." (Lk.12:33) 

Jesus didn't tell His disciples to sell everything they had and give alms. The New Testament records Jesus going to homes, being supported by people, some who were rich, the church meeting in houses, and so on, which proves that Christians did have possessions. Some even had slaves.

Jesus didn't say that disciples should not have possessions. However, He discouraged them to be possessive of things in this world.

In His commission to the 70, He told them not to carry money bags (Lk.10:4); for He was yet with them. But, before His arrest and trial, He asked His disciples to carry a money purse (Lk.22:36), for He was being taken away.

Yet, He warned them against covetousness and materialistic worries that are acts of anti-faith (Lk.12:15; Matt.6:31-34).

In the Millennium, and in God's Kingdom, there are no money bags like we have on earth, and there are no shops or financial businesses. However, there certainly are money bags that don't grow old and treasures that are everlasting; otherwise, Jesus wouldn't have asked us to prepare or store these. These wallets and saving deposits are more important and crucial.

The first treasure is our own soul, because, our soul is something that will continue beyond death. Jesus asked what a man gains if he obtains the whole world but loses his own soul. Peter instructed believers to guard against lusts that war against the soul. In a materialistic age, people pay lot of attention to the health of their bodies. But, it is even of greater value to care for our souls. Lazarus was not able to care for his sore-filled body. But, his soul was received in paradise. Each one needs to save his own soul by following Christ.

The second treasure is our works. Paul said that in the last day, our works will be tested by fire. The works that remain will be rewarded. But, the works that are burnt will be lost.

"Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." (1Cor.3:12-17)

Also, those who are unfaithful and sluggish will be removed from God's presence. For, though we are saved by faith, faith without works is dead, and we will be judged according to our works.

So, it is of utmost importance to watch after our souls and be diligent and faithful in the work God has assigned to us.

The third kind of treasures are works of kindness and charity that we do.

"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (1Tim.6:17-19)

God is not a debtor to anyone, and he who gives to the poor lends to the Lord. (Prov. 19:17; 22:9)

The fourth is the pure gold of God refined in fire. It is something that we need to buy from God Himself.

"I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see." (Rev.3:18)

This is the desire for God Himself and His holiness and the right perspective that comes from an intimate and genuine relationship with Him. Anything else, or in addition to Him, is corruption.

The Bible tells us that God's word is pure and precious and more to be desired than gold (Psa.12:6; 19:10). It tells us to let the word of Christ dwell richly in us (Col.3:16). Christ said that if we dwell in Him and His words dwell in us, then we shall ask what we desire and it shall be given to us (Jn.15:7).