Are All People Sinful or Can Some Be Righteous?

In this article, you will learn how Luke 1:6 contradicts Romans 3:23, Ecclesiastes 7:20, 1 John 1:8, Mark 10:18 and Psalm 14:3. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The Bible presents an intriguing puzzle when discussing the nature of righteousness and sinfulness among humans. A key verse in this discussion is Luke 1:6, which describes two individuals as always doing what God wanted and following His rules without making mistakes. This portrayal presents them as both righteous and blameless in the eyes of God. This depiction implies a possible exception to the human condition of sinfulness. However, several other biblical passages seem to challenge this notion.

In Romans 3:23, it is emphatically stated that all have sinned, suggesting that no one is free from the taint of sin. This blanket statement seems at odds with the idea of blameless people as mentioned in Luke. Ecclesiastes 7:20 further supports this by asserting that there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. Such a perspective prompts questions about the exceptions noted in Luke.

Similarly, 1 John 1:8 provides a cautionary reminder that claiming to be without sin deceives oneself. This verse suggests that acknowledging one's sinfulness is crucial for genuine spiritual introspection. In Mark 10:18, the message takes an even stronger stance by affirming that only God is truly good, leaving little room for humans to claim such status. Lastly, Psalm 14:3 underscores the idea that everyone has turned away from righteousness, indicating a universal leaning towards corruption.

This apparent contradiction in the biblical narrative can be likened to describing a flawless diamond amidst a cave of imperfections. While the diamond gleams with purity, the cave seems to envelop it, raising questions about how such purity can exist within an impure environment. These differing portrayals invite deeper reflection on whether true righteousness is an achievable state or an ideal that remains elusive for all but the divine.