The world boasts of its achievements, its wisdom, and its strength. Yet when we come to the testimony of Scripture, we find a striking contrast. God’s Word quietly, firmly declares there are things the world simply cannot do. No matter its power, no matter its pride, the world is utterly helpless when it comes to the matters of God and eternal life.

First, the world could not touch the life of Christ. Jesus said plainly, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord” (John 10:18, BSB). The Roman authorities, the religious leaders, and even the power of death itself had no claim over Him. His life was not seized; it was freely given. At every step, Christ remained in sovereign control, choosing the hour of His sacrifice. In this, He showed Himself to be not a helpless victim, but the triumphant Victor, laying down His life in obedience to the Father’s will.

Secondly, the world cannot pluck the believer out of the hands of grace. Jesus assures us, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand” (John 10:28–29, BSB). Here lies the believer’s unshakable security. Our salvation rests not on our grip of Christ, but on His eternal grasp of us. All the might of the world, the devil, and even death itself cannot loosen His hand.

The world also cannot rob the believer of his joy. Jesus promised His disciples, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (John 16:22, BSB). True joy is not based on circumstances but on Christ Himself. Though storms may rage and troubles abound, the deep gladness that springs from union with Christ remains untouched. What a promise for weary hearts!

Fourth, the world cannot come to God apart from Christ. Jesus makes it unequivocally clear: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, BSB). There is no side door to heaven, no alternate route. The world’s religions, philosophies, and self-made efforts are powerless to bridge the chasm between man and God. Only Christ is the bridge, and only by Him can we approach the Father.

Fifth, the world cannot come to God by its own strength or decision. Jesus declared, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44, BSB). Salvation is a divine work from beginning to end. It is not the result of human effort, but the fruit of God’s sovereign grace. Left to ourselves, we would never seek Him. It is the Father’s drawing love that brings us near.

Furthermore, the world cannot understand the things of God. As Paul writes, “For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11, BSB). Spiritual truth is hidden from the natural mind. It is only by the illumination of the Holy Spirit that we can comprehend the things of God. No human reasoning, no intellectual pursuit can unveil them.

Lastly, the world cannot serve God and itself. Jesus said bluntly, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24, BSB). Divided loyalties are impossible. The heart must choose: either the kingdom of God or the kingdom of self. There can be no middle ground.

Have you felt the weight of these “cannots”? They are not limitations for the believer—they are safeguards, reminders that our hope rests not in ourselves or in the crumbling systems of this world, but in the unshakable power and love of God. How do these truths steady your heart today? Do they draw you nearer to the Savior who holds you fast and leads you home?

For deeper reflection, you might also turn to:

Romans 8:38–39 – “For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Peter 1:5 – “Who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”