There are certain verses and phrases in the Bible that we know very well, often because of the comfort and reassurance that they bring to us. One such verse is found in Matthew, Mark and Luke. The verses vary slightly in each of the accounts, but they all say basically the same thing, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27; Matt. 19:26; Luke 18:27).
We love that statement from the lips of our Savior! Oh, how fun it is to think that “all things are possible” with God! That makes the imagination run and the smiles come. And, even without a specific context, we could say that statement is true, for God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). But what is the context of Jesus voicing this assurance?
The rich young ruler came to Jesus to find out what he had to do to “have eternal life” (Matt. 19:16). Jesus told him, “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor…and come, follow Me” (Luke 18:22). The man went away “very sorrowful, for he was very rich” (Luke 18:23). When Jesus saw that, He told His disciples that it is “hard…for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God. For 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” (18:24-25). The severity of that illustration really struck His disciples. It would be impossible for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle. Impossible! The disciples “were greatly astonished at His words, saying among themselves, ‘Who then can be saved?’” (Mark 10:26). Is salvation really impossible for man?
When caught astonished at the possibility of the impossibility (in their minds) of anyone being saved, Jesus answered them with that great declaration, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
“With men,” salvation is impossible! Man cannot save himself! Truly salvation is “not of yourselves” (Eph. 2:8). But, what is “impossible” with men is not so with God, because for the all-powerful and all-loving and all-merciful God, “all things are possible,” including saving any and every man from his sins.
That ought to put the severity of our sins into context. It also ought to put the magnitude of the loving sacrifice of our Savior into context! We could NOT be saved without HIM! And when we choose to follow His instructions (unlike the rich young ruler) and make tough decisions “for [His] sake and the gospel’s,” we will “receive a hundredfold” blessing now, “and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). What a thought! Yes, with God, our eternal salvation is possible!