Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Is anything impossible for God? Matthew 19:26

And looking intently, Jesus said unto them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." --Rotherham Bible

In verses 23-24, note what Jesus said: And Jesus said unto his disciples, "Verily I say unto you, a wealthy man with difficulty shall enter into the kingdom of the heavens. 24 Again I say unto you, easier is it for a camel through the eye of a needle to enter, than a rich man into the kingdom of God. --Rotherham Bible.

Then Peter said, and hearing it, the disciples were struck with the greatest astonishment, saying, "Who then can be saved?"

Then Jesus said those words in verse 26:

Jesus was not saying that a rich person can't gain everlasting life in the Kingdom arrangement, for certain wealthy individuals became his followers. (Matthew 27:57; Luke 19:2, 9) However, this is impossible for any rich person who loves their possessions more than spiritual things. Only by becoming conscious of his spiritual need and seeking divine help can such a person receive God-given salvation.​—Matthew 5:3; 19:16-26.

The illustration of the camel and the needle's eye is not to be taken literally. Jesus was using hyperbole to emphasise the difficulty facing wealthy people who try to please God while maintaining a rich, materialistic lifestyle.​—1 Timothy 6:17-19.

Just before Jesus gave this 'hard saying,' a wealthy young man had turned down great spiritual opportunities because of a greater love for his "many possessions." (Matthew 19:16-22) It would be impossible for any rich man with this attitude to inherit everlasting life. 

But only with God's extreme help could such a person change and receive the salvation that must come through God's power.​—Matthew 19:25, 26.

So with God, all things are possible, but not for man.

Conclusion:

In Christian theology, nothing is impossible for God in the sense that His power is limitless, and nothing can thwart His will or promises. As Jesus said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). 

However, theological discussions clarify that "all things" refers to all things that are logically possible and consistent with God's perfect nature and character.

But there are things that God cannot do:

Lying or breaking a promise

Acting against His own nature

Doing the logically absurd

Ceasing to exist

So, while God can do anything that is genuinely possible and aligns with His perfect nature and will, He cannot do anything inherently contradictory or contrary to who He is.

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