Is Eternal Life Truly for Everyone or Just a Select Few?
In this article, you will learn how John 3:16 contradicts Matthew 7:14, Romans 9:18, Matthew 15:24, John 6:44 and Matthew 7:21. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
John 3:16 presents a powerful promise: God's love for the world is so profound that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to offer eternal life to everyone who believes in Him. This verse suggests an open invitation for all to engage in a never-ending relationship with God. But how does this reconcile with other biblical verses that paint a more selective picture of salvation?
Consider Matthew 7:14, which describes the path to eternal life as narrow, suggesting that only a few will find it. It's like having a grand banquet that everyone is invited to but only a few seats available, implying not everyone gets in despite the universal invitation.
Romans 9:18 introduces the concept of God's selective mercy, stating that He decides whom to show mercy to and whom to harden, which seems at odds with the universal offer implied in John 3:16. The analogy here is a king who offers gifts to everyone in the kingdom but chooses only a few to receive them.
In Matthew 15:24, Jesus states that his mission is for "the lost sheep of Israel," focusing on a specific group rather than the whole world. This is like a doctor claiming to treat all illnesses but only accepting patients from a particular city.
John 6:44 adds another layer by suggesting that no one can come to Jesus unless drawn by the Father. This implies an unseen barrier to access, similar to a club with an open sign but a hidden condition for entry.
Lastly, Matthew 7:21 argues that calling out to Jesus isn't enough for salvation, emphasizing that belief needs to be coupled with actions aligned with God's will, unlike the belief-centric message in John 3:16.
These verses collectively challenge the notion of a straightforward path to eternal life, prompting us to consider whether salvation is indeed universally accessible or reserved for a chosen few.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | John 3:16 | For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. |
| 2. | Matthew 7:14 | Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. [Because: or, How] |
| 3. | Romans 9:18 | Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth. |
| 4. | Matthew 15:24 | But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. |
| 5. | John 6:44 | No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. |
| 6. | Matthew 7:21 | Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. |