Contradiction with Matthew 7:7
This verse suggests that asking and seeking leads to receiving and finding, which contrasts with Luke 13:24's emphasis on the difficulty of entering through the narrow gate.
Matthew 7:7: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Contradiction with Romans 10:13
This verse states that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, whereas Luke 13:24 portrays salvation as challenging and requires effort.
Romans 10:13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Contradiction with Ephesians 2:8-9
These verses emphasize salvation by grace through faith, not of works, while Luke 13:24 emphasizes striving, implying effort or works are involved.
Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Contradiction with John 3:16
This verse promises eternal life to whoever believes in Him, suggesting accessibility and ease, contrasting with the striving mentioned in Luke 13:24.
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.
Contradiction with John 10:9
Here, entering through Jesus is depicted as a straightforward act of salvation, contrasting the striving to enter the narrow gate in Luke 13:24.
John 10:9: I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Contradiction with Acts 16:31
This verse simplifies salvation to believing in the Lord Jesus, which appears easier than the striving described in Luke 13:24.
Acts 16:31: And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Contradiction with 1 John 5:11-12
States that eternal life is in the Son, implying possession through belief, contrasting with the struggle implied in Luke 13:24.
1 John 5:11-12: And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:4
Expresses God’s desire for all to be saved, suggesting accessibility, which contrasts with the exclusivity implied by striving in Luke 13:24.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Paradox #1
Some might see a conflict between this verse and the idea of universal salvation—where everyone eventually gains entry to heaven. This verse suggests that not everyone will succeed, which seems inconsistent with the concept of an all-loving God who saves everyone. Additionally, it could appear to contradict other passages that emphasize God's grace and forgiveness as freely available to all. However, interpretations vary widely.
Paradox #2
Luke 13:24 talks about striving to enter through a narrow door. Some people see a contradiction because other parts of the Bible emphasize salvation by faith and grace, not by effort or striving. This can seem inconsistent with the idea that you need to work hard to enter. However, many interpretations suggest that the "striving" is about sincerely seeking a relationship with God, not earning salvation through works.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction in Luke 13:24 could be the idea of exclusivity or the difficulty of entering the "narrow door." This might conflict with the notion of an all-loving, inclusive God who wants everyone to be saved. Some may find it inconsistent that God would make it challenging for people to enter the kingdom despite being compassionate and forgiving.