Can Following Rules Truly Lead to Eternal Life? A Look at Biblical Contradictions
In this article, you will learn how Matthew 19:17 contradicts Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 64:6, Galatians 2:16, Titus 3:5, Romans 3:10, John 14:6, James 2:10, Philippians 3:9 and Romans 5:19. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the teachings of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 19:17, the emphasis is on following God's commandments to find true goodness and achieve eternal life. This statement appears straightforward: adhere to the rules God has set, and you'll draw nearer to a life with Him. However, this message seems to be at odds with various other parts of the Bible.
For instance, Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned, implying that no one can be truly "good," even if they follow the commandments. Similarly, Isaiah 64:6 refers to our righteous acts as "filthy rags," suggesting that mere deeds cannot achieve purity in God's eyes. This idea is echoed in Romans 3:10, which asserts that there is none righteous, no not one.
Furthermore, several verses emphasize that salvation is not achieved by our actions. Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5 both highlight that it’s God’s grace, not our deeds, that saves us. Galatians 2:16 and Philippians 3:9 concur by pointing out that a person is justified and made righteous through faith in Christ, not by following the law.
John 14:6 adds another dimension by declaring that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, implying salvation through Him alone, not through self-generated goodness. This is reinforced by Romans 5:19, suggesting righteousness comes through Jesus rather than personal deeds.
James 2:10 puts forth that failing to uphold even a single commandment renders one guilty of all, contradicting the notion that one can achieve goodness by law-keeping.
These diverse messages raise questions about the nature of salvation and goodness. Is it purely about following divine rules, or does it fundamentally rest on faith and grace? This paradox invites deeper reflection on how we perceive morality and righteousness in the spiritual journey.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Matthew 19:17 | And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. |
| 2. | Romans 3:23 | For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; |
| 3. | Ephesians 2:8-9 | For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: |
| 4. | Isaiah 64:6 | But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. |
| 5. | Galatians 2:16 | Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. |
| 6. | Titus 3:5 | Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; |
| 7. | Romans 3:10 | As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: |
| 8. | John 14:6 | Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. |
| 9. | James 2:10 | For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all. |
| 10. | Philippians 3:9 | And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: |
| 11. | Romans 5:19 | For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. |