There is no Contradiction In What Jesus Said About A Rich Man Entering Heaven
Posted: 05/24/2008
“Let me try and understand this. According to you, Jesus DID say that it's impossible for a rich man to enter heaven. Then down in the very same post you describe a rich man who did what Jesus said is impossible. Now explain to me again how there are no internal contradictions in the Bible?”
There is no contradiction. This is what the Bible says:
"Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, 'How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!' And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, 'Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.'” (Mark 10:23-27)
We are told that the disciples were “astonished” at what He said. So it seems that Jesus was talking about a literal camel and a literal needle--something truly impossible. But then Jesus added that with God nothing is impossible. That means that He can change the money-loving heart of a rich man, if He so desires.
The fact is, it’s “impossible” for anyone to enter the Kingdom of God without the help of God. No amount of riches can buy your way in. The Bible says that there are “none” who seek after God (see Romans 3:10-12). We hate God without cause. His name is used as a cuss word, and some even do the unthinkable--they deny that He even exists, which is extremely foolish in the face of this incredible creation. So, it takes what is called “grace” to draw us to Him. He softens the hardened heart, opens the closed mind, and changes our wrong direction. He then opens our blind eyes and gives us light so that we can understand the gospel and be saved. This is described in detail in 2 Corinthians 4:3-6. God did this with me, and He can do it with you--if you are willing. Amazing grace.
Disclaimer: Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the feedback button.
The point of testing and temptation for Jesus 40 days and nights in the wilderness, the devil tempted him with natural needs, with worldly riches and power,and with vanity. Satan promised him kingdoms of the world if he would follow him and turn from God. Jesus fought that with word of God "It is written" He said Worship and serve only God. People would have tried to crown Jesus at one time after miracle of fishes and loaves but Jesus came then for a different purpose his Father's will of sacrifice,suffering, and love.
Riches,power,worldly success
Many have failed and some have succeeded when these same temptations have knocked at the doors to their lives. I thought of either Elijah or Elisha's servant that went out after the military leader from Syria that had been cured of leprosy. The servant was seeking weath from him as payment in his heart but saying its for a need to the Syrian. The prophet asked the servant Where were you? and he lies and is judged to carry on the leprosy in his family line. The prophet says now is not the time to receive reward. I wonder was that leprosy connected to the riches and worldly power?
I remember reading about men and women of faith that left rich families and wealth of their own kinfolk to serve God. I think of what they did for the people they served helping the sick and poor. What is their reward to come? I heard a minister's story online of seeing a vision of an elderly lady that had just passed away being shown mansions in heaven she asked about beautiful paintings,crowns,and items in some of the mansions,and they told her those were received by living a life of great sacrifice,suffering,and witnessing for the Lord. Click here to reply to this post
No contradiction
Posted On: 05/25/08 12:59:12 PM
Age 61, MO
These Matthew verses by Jesus are not saying that no rich people can get into heaven. They merely state the unlikeliness of those who store up earthly treasures to be focused on "forsaking all they have, if necessary, to be disciples of Jesus." People who are financially independentg and who enjoy material comforts are not as apt to see the need for a Savior, as those who are at the end of themselves. In our Adam state of being, none seek after God. Without Jesus, none can keep every jot and tittle of the Law. But with Christ all things are possible. The Law and the Prophets are fulfilled in Christ. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE
Posted On: 05/25/08 12:18:22 PM
Age 64, OH
Keep up the great articles Ray. I would like to offer this for your consideration and prayer. The church of Israel was taught by the leaders, as we know, and their teaching was that the rich were rich because they were being blessed by God. We can also see by careful reading of the gospels that these same men taught that the poor and the lame were that way because they had disobeyed God. Jesus of course taught different; when it was the poor, the lame, the blind, and the sick that He went to. Jesus made it clear that these were not sick because of their sin or the sin of their parents but so that God could be gloried through their being healed. So the disciples were amazed to hear Jesus say not only were the rich not rich as a blessing of God but it was very difficult for them to enter heaven. The gate to the city was closed every night for there were but a few guards who stayed awake all night. But there was a very little gate that stayed open all night. This gate was so small that a man could not get through it with armor, arms and a shield. He also had to stoop down or get on his knees to get through it. This of course put him in a position of extreme vulnerability to have his head cut off by a defender if he was an enemy. Two men could stop an army from entering this small gate. A man had to give up all of his goods so to speak and get on his knees to enter. THIS GATE WAS CALLED THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE. Even a camel could get through it but it was very difficult. The camel had to have everything that it was carrying taken off of it and it had to not only get on it's knees but get as low to the ground as it could to get through. So what is impossible with man, for no man can enter the gate of heaven by his own goods or works; is possible with God. If the man (or camel) will give everything up to God and surrender even his life and humble himself before God on his knees so to speak; then God can extend His grace and save the man. The really good news is that who The Son sets free is free indeed. These goods that I was carrying through life were a great burden. This burden was crushing me. I gave it all up to the Lord Jesus Christ and His burden is light and His yoke is easy. Jesus carries my burdens now and He supplies me with all of my needs. I do not have to carry all these heavy burdens now. I have been set free. Grace and peace to you. Lou Click here to reply to this post
“Let me try and understand this. According to you, Jesus DID say that it's impossible for a rich man to enter heaven. Then down in the very same post you describe a rich man who did what Jesus said is impossible. Now explain to me again how there are no internal contradictions in the Bible?”
