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There can be no contradictions in the Bible. However, many Bible students have failed to explain some of the apparent contradictions concerning our salvation. We often assume it’s a paradox.
In almost every explanation given as to how we are eternally saved, we are left with contradictions in scripture which are generally excused as being a “mystery of the Bible.”
A glimpse into the salvation paradox
There are plenty of Bible passages which suggest to us completely different ways to be saved…
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21)
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” (Acts 2:38-40)
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:30-31)
“Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” (Acts 27:31)
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Rom. 5:9)
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Tim. 4:16)
“[God] hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Tim. 1:9)
“Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” (1 Tim. 2:15)
“Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” (1 Pet. 3:20)
Adding to the confusion
If specific references to salvation weren’t enough to cloud the subject in mystery, we also read apparent contradictions concerning entering the kingdom of heaven and how we are justified.
Justified by blood, faith, or works?
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Rom. 5:8-8)
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1)
“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:24)
Apparently, Abraham was justified by both faith and works…
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law…For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.” (Rom. 3:28-4:2)
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” (James 2:21)
How do we enter the kingdom of God/heaven?
“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:20)
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21)
“Jesus answered, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
The paradox excuse
Since the Bible seems so contradictory when presenting the doctrine of salvation, many have simply called it a paradox or mystery.
This doesn’t stop anyone from holding, preaching, or defending certain beliefs when it comes to salvation. We tend to lean on select passages of the Bible and devalue others using the paradox excuse.
Salvation by works
Some lean on Bible verses which suggest we have to perform specific works in order to be saved (i.e. be baptized, publicly profess the name of Jesus, have more good works than evil works, etc.).
But what about verses that seem to teach salvation is by grace alone?
Well, that’s the paradox. They say it’s difficult for us to understand, but salvation is conditional even though it’s also a free gift of grace.
Salvation by faith
Some lean on Bible verses which suggest we have to believe in Christ or have faith in order to be saved.
But what about works and grace?
Both are a part of the paradox. They explain that faith in Christ is possible apart from good works or, at least, possible with minimal good works. Grace is necessary, but we’re not saved by grace alone.
Salvation by grace
Some lean on Bible verses which suggest we are saved totally by the grace of God. God sovereignly elects, predestinates, calls, justifies, and does all that is needed in order for us to be saved.
But what about works and faith?
Both are a part of the paradox. They say the person who has been saved by God’s grace will have faith and will inevitably do good works.
Saved from what?
If we are to reconcile the contradictions in this subject and also remove the paradox, we must learn how to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). In other words, put everything into its proper category.
When the Bible tells us how to be saved (which means delivered), we should always ask, Saved from what?
Delivered from physical danger
“Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” (Acts 27:31)
Delivered from present evil
“Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” (1 Pet. 3:20)
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” (Acts 2:38-40)
Delivered from eternal consequences of sin
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Rom. 5:9)
“[God] hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Tim. 1:9)
Three types of justification
Perhaps the different types of salvation can be seen no clearer than in the biblical references to justification.
Justified by blood
Christ came to save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). Whomever he shed his blood for are eternally justified and saved from the wrath of God which is the consequence for our sin.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Rom. 5:8-8)
Justified by faith
Faith is given through the new birth of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). When we are born again, we can then see the kingdom of God (John 3:5) and have peace in knowing we have been justified by the blood of Christ.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1)
It’s also important how the Bible credits the faith of Jesus Christ for salvation. That’s because it was only through his faith we were justified by his blood. Plus, we’re given our faith (not the same as faithfulness).
Justified by works
Only after we have faith can we do anything pleasing to God (Heb. 11:6). Having been justified by Christ and called by the Spirit, it’s our reasonable service to walk worthy of our calling (Eph. 4:1).
“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? …Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:14-24)
