One such instance transpired in His conversation with the rich young ruler. At this time, the young man came to Jesus and asked Him, "Good master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (See Mark 10.17-22; this account is recorded also in Matthew 19.16-22 and Luke 18.18-23.)

In this setting, Jesus declared each of the required parts of the gospel. From this conversation, I will define the terms of the gospel as Christ presented them. Then, you can examine your own life in light of them to evaluate your condition before God as Scripture directs (2 Corinthians 13.5).

Condition of the man (Mark 10.17, 20)
When the rich young ruler came to Christ, his questions and statements revealed his true condition and character. Initially, the young man showed several positive traits. He knew that eternal life existed and desired it, sincerely and zealously. Ignoring the crowd around Jesus, he boldly approached Christ, greeted Him kindly, and bowed down and worshiped Him. Not even the Pharisees did that.

In addition, he revealed that he lived a moral life. He considered himself orthodox, obedient to God's law, and he regularly examined himself against that law. He bore many marks of a humble, sincere disciple.

However, he made three crucial mistakes. First, he misunderstood the true nature of Jesus Christ. He viewed Him merely as a good man, a teaching master and not a ruling master, failing to recognize the deity of Christ.

Second, he misunderstood the true nature of eternal life. He looked for something to do, something that he could contribute. He had concluded that eternal life was something earned instead of something given.

Third, he misjudged his own true condition. He valued his own self-righteousness as contributing to eternal life. He believed he only needed to add something more and wanted to know what it was. He erred as to his sinfulness and his offence to a holy God.