Access Denied or Invitation Granted? Exploring Bible Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Exodus 19:12 contradicts Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 4:16, John 4:21-24, Ephesians 2:13, Romans 5:2 and Matthew 27:51. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the Bible, we find different references that seem to contrast how people can approach God, raising intriguing questions about access to the divine. Consider Exodus 19:12, where God commanded the people through Moses not to go near or touch Mount Sinai, making it clear that boundaries were set in place because it was holy ground. This creates a picture of a restricted, almost intimidating relationship with the divine, akin to being told by parents not to enter a certain room because it's sacred or too important.
Contrastingly, other scripture passages suggest a more open and direct pathway to God, as seen in Jeremiah 31:34, which speaks of a personal relationship with the divine. Here, everyone seems to have the potential for direct interaction with God, hinting at a broader accessibility.
Hebrews 4:16 further shifts this narrative by inviting believers to approach God’s throne with confidence, suggesting an open-door policy rather than a restricted area like in Exodus. Similarly, John 4:21-24 argues that worship isn’t confined to physical spaces but is a matter of spirit and truth, challenging the idea of geographical boundaries enforced at Sinai.
Another perspective is seen in Ephesians 2:13, which beautifully describes how believers are brought near through Christ's sacrifice, contrasting the distance once imposed. Romans 5:2 reinforces this sense of nearness through faith, and Matthew 27:51 provides a dramatic visual with the tearing of the temple veil, symbolizing direct access to God—a stark departure from the idea of divine separation seen at Sinai.
These contrasting images provoke thought about our understanding of approaching the divine. It’s like comparing a conference with strict entry restrictions to an open community gathering where everyone is welcome. Each scripture passage offers unique insight into the evolving nature of the relationship between the divine and humanity, posing a question: is access to God restricted or freely granted?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Exodus 19:12 | And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, [that ye] go [not] up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: |
| 2. | Jeremiah 31:34 | And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. |
| 3. | Hebrews 4:16 | Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. |
| 4. | John 4:21-24 | Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. |
| 5. | Ephesians 2:13 | But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. |
| 6. | Romans 5:2 | By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. |
| 7. | Matthew 27:51 | And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; |