“so that we who have found refuge in him may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18 NET).
The Gospel of Mark presents us with the following statement from Jesus: “Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes'” (Mark 9:23).
For many, a statement like “…all things are possible to him who believes” may sound like a child’s fairy tale or an irrational response to the harsh realities of life. It might also sound like a substitute for intelligent, rational thought that exchanges reason and intellect for wishing and hoping. In fact, those who seek to use that statement against Jesus might do so in the following manner…
- Jesus said that all things are possible to him who believes. Can I make a square circle if I only believe?
- Could I create an irresistible force that could move an immovable object if I only believe?
- Is it possible to make something true and false at the same time and in the same way if I only believe?
The short answer to each of these questions is “no.” To understand how and why that answer intersects with Jesus’ seemingly ironclad promise in Mark 9:23, we need to consider the nature of these questions.
For example, the question regarding a square circle conceals a logical error. The error is this: whenever we attempt to place a corner on a circle in order to make it a square, the circle immediately ceases to be a circle. Because of this, the question logically precludes any possibility of an answer.
The same is true when looking at the “irresistible force vs. the immovable object” question. This question assumes that two distinct entities possess the greatest power or ability. Since only one of those entities can be the “greatest,” this question reveals an internal inconsistency. It then attempts to increase the power of one of them through belief. This potentially introduces a third “greatest power.”
We can see a similar concept in the “true and false” question as well. This question creates a condition where something is true and not true at the same time and in the same way.
So, each of these questions contains an inherent contradiction. For this reason, we can confidently dismiss them in seeking to apply Jesus’ promise from Mark 9:23. Our next study will conclude our look at Hebrews 6:18 by addressing such objections in light of another familiar challenge: “Can God make a rock so big that He can’t move it?”