Topics that can create theological paradox resolved by being held in tensions 

1. The Scope of God's Desire and the "Few Who Find It"

· Scripture Seemingly in Tension:

  · 1 Timothy 2:3-4: "This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

  · 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow to keep his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

  · Ezekiel 33:11: "As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live."

· Analysis: If God is all-powerful and desires all to be saved, why are only a "few" on the path? This touches on the deep mystery of the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. To be fully consistent, one must also acknowledge God sincerely desires the salvation of all, yet salvation is effectively accomplished only for those who come to Him through Christ.

 (Ephesians 1:4-5, John 6:44). 

2. The "Ease" of the Gospel and the "Difficulty" of the Path

· Scripture Seemingly in Tension:

  · Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

  · Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

· Analysis: Jesus describes His yoke as "easy" and "light," which seems to contrast with the "difficult" narrow path. The potential inconsistency is one of emphasis. The resolution lies in distinguishing between the cost of discipleship (denying self, taking up your cross - which is "difficult" for the flesh) and the mechanism of salvation (grace through faith - which is "easy" in that it requires no work from us). Your text does this well by clarifying that the "impossibility" is for human effort, and God makes it possible. The "difficulty" is in the humbling surrender, not in a series of arduous works we must perform to earn it.

3. The Nature of the "Impossible" and the "Possible"

Focused on soteriology (the doctrine of salvation). A potential inconsistency could arise if this principle is detached from its Christological center and applied in an unbalanced way to the Christian life, particularly regarding miracles and faith.

· Scripture Seemingly in Tension:

  · Mark 9:23: "And Jesus said to him, ‘“If you can”! All things are possible for one who believes.’"

  · Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

· Analysis: The phrase "with God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26) can be correctly applied to salvation. However, if taken in isolation, one might argue that this promises God will always grant anything a believer prays for in faith (e.g., physical healing, wealth). This creates an inconsistency with the lived experience of believers and scriptures about suffering (2 Cor 12:7-9). The key is to recognize that the "all things" in Matthew 19:26 is in the specific context of salvation—what is morally and redemptively impossible for man. It is not a blanket promise that God will suspend His own will and natural order for every human desire. The "all things" in Philippians 4:13 is about enduring all circumstances through Christ's strength.