Contradiction with Romans 3:23
This verse states that all have sinned, contradicting the idea that anyone can be "good" as suggested by following commandments in Matthew 19:17.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with Ephesians 2:8-9
These verses emphasize salvation by grace through faith, not by works (or keeping commandments), contrasting with the implication of earning eternal life in Matthew 19:17.
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 Isaiah 64:6
This verse states that our righteous acts are like filthy rags, contradicting the notion of achieving goodness by deeds as implied in Matthew 19:17.
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.
Contradiction with Galatians 2:16
This verse asserts that a person is not justified by works of the law, opposing the idea that keeping commandments is a path to life as suggested in Matthew 19:17.
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.
Contradiction with Titus 3:5
Emphasizes that salvation is not by works of righteousness, challenging the implication in Matthew 19:17 that one can be good by doing good deeds.
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;
Contradiction with Romans 3:10
States there is none righteous, contradicting the concept of someone being good by following commandments as it might seem in Matthew 19:17.
Romans 3:10: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Contradiction with John 14:6
Jesus claims He is the way, the truth, and the life, suggesting salvation through Him alone, not by moral goodness, contradicting the pathway implied in Matthew 19:17.
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.
Contradiction with James 2:10
Suggests that failing one aspect of the law makes one guilty of all, contradicting the implication in Matthew 19:17 that one can achieve goodness by law-keeping.
James 2:10: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.
Contradiction with Philippians 3:9
Emphasizes righteousness through faith in Christ, not from the law, contrary to the idea in Matthew 19:17 of achieving life through commandment-keeping.
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:
Contradiction with Romans 5:19
Refers to righteousness coming through Jesus, not through personal deeds, conflicting with the directive in Matthew 19:17 to follow the commandments.
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.
Paradox #1
Some people see a contradiction in this verse with the Christian belief that Jesus is sinless and good. In this verse, Jesus seems to suggest that only God is truly good, which could be taken to mean that He is not good or not affirming His divinity. However, many believe this was a way for Jesus to point the focus back to God and challenge people to think deeper about His identity.
Paradox #2
Matthew 19:17 might seem contradictory when compared to the broader biblical teaching on salvation by grace and not by works. In this verse, Jesus emphasizes keeping commandments to enter life, which could appear to conflict with passages like Ephesians 2:8-9, where it states that salvation is a gift of God and not a result of works. This highlights an apparent inconsistency in understanding how eternal life is attained, whether by obeying commandments or through faith and grace.
Paradox #3
The potential inconsistency lies in how different Gospel accounts portray Jesus' response. In Matthew, Jesus emphasizes keeping the commandments, while in Mark and Luke, he starts by questioning why the person calls him good. This suggests different theological focuses or traditions in the early Christian communities.
Paradox #4
The contradiction could arise from the implication that only God is good, which might seem inconsistent with the idea that humans are also capable of goodness. This could conflict with teachings that encourage people to act morally and be good, suggesting a tension between divine goodness and human goodness.