Biblical Contradictions?

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“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
–1CORINTHIANS 2:14

It appears that one of the favorite activities of vehement nonbelievers is constructing lists of what they like to call”contradictory Bible verses.”

If one enters “contradictory Bible verses” in Google, the search engine returns over 630,000 results. As stated, it appears to be a popular activity of the nonbeliever.

First, a few observations:

  • It should be pointed out that such lists are constructed by the “natural man.” As such, 1CORINTHIANS 2:14 informs us that God’s Word is “foolishness” to such a person.  IF the constructor of lists was NOT a “natural man” but a man of God, then he would not spend his time trying to square the circle of constructing such a list.
  • Once upon a time, it was noticed that among the tares who inhabit the buildings referred to as “the churches,” a favorite tactic in dealing with such “contradictions” was to attack the messenger (the person pointing out such “contradictions“) in a personal manner. It is supposed this tactic is so popular because the tares generally do not know the Word of God and therefore, find it next to impossible to refute these “contradictions” in a more straightforward manner. Tares are also “natural” men and so the Bible is “foolishness” to them as well.
  • A good many of the so-called “contradictions” are not contradictions at all, but are merely the differences between the Old Covenant and the New. Others are caused by word selections of the translators, such as “tempt” and/or “try” (which have more than one meaning). Still others confuse what a person in a Bible verse says with what God Himself says.
  • Most of the “contradictions” would have been reconciled with a few minutes of research or study–something the compilers of lists naturally appear to avoid.
  • Referring to “Bible Study Guides” or “annotated Bibles” generally prove to be unsatisfying. Many of their “answers” to such apparent contradictions are, at best, unconvincing and, at worst, just plain WRONG. In more than one instance, these “commentaries on the Bible” answer apparent contradictions by throwing doubt on the infallibility of God’s Word.
  • HOWEVER, the lists ARE valuable study aids for a few reasons, primarily because they focus study of God’s Word on, what sometimes may appear to be at first glance, contradictions. However, for one to get the benefit of these lists, one must be willing to STUDY the Bible, not merely READ the Bible (as the church folk recommend).
  • The lists are also valuable because they represent the opportunity to answer the best efforts of the nonbeliever to refute the Word of God.
  • Lastly, the lists are valuable because, at the end of the day, they help confirm the infallibility of the Bible.

After consulting several of these lists, the following are a few of the most commonly-cited“contradictions.”

1- Genesis 17:10 vs Galatians 5:2

“This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.”
–Genesis 17:10

“Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.”
–Galatians 5:2

RECONCILIATION: This is one of the differences between the Old Covenant and the New.

God made the first (Old) Covenant with the Hebrews. He made the improved (New) Covenant with all men who are believers in Christ.

“In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.”
–Hebrews 8:13

Circumcision of the FLESH was a requirement of the Old Covenant. Circumcision of the HEART is a requirement of the New Covenant.

“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
–Romans 2:28-29

2-Exodus 21:22-25 vs. Matthew 5:39

“If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”
–Exodus 21:22-25

“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
–Matthew 5:39

These are not contradictory at all; however, some lists destroy the context of the Exodus verses by omitting Exodus 21:22. In this way, a seeming contradiction is constructed where none exists.

Exodus 21:22-25 is referring to the specific, possible civil penalties of a man who causes a woman to lose a baby; while Matthew 5:39 is advising the follower of Jesus on how to live his life.

3- Ecclesiastes 1:4 vs. 2PETER 3:10

“… the earth abideth for ever.”
–Ecclesiastes 1:4

“and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”
–2PETER 3:10

RECONCILIATION: The earth will abide forever–though the old earth will pass away after the return of Jesus Christ and God will create a new earth.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.”
–Revelation 21:1,5

“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”
–Isaiah 65:17

“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.”
–2PETER 3:13

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.”
–Revelation 20:11

“For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. nd they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.”
–Isaiah 66:22-24

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.”
–Isaiah 55:6

These are only three examples (of many) from the many lists surveyed.  However, a longer article (or two) in the future will address other entries on the various lists.

Which is one more benefit of such compilations.

Reconciling Bible verses which are taken to be in opposition to each other is its own reward.

“thy word is truth.”
–John 17:17

DOES the reader claim to believe the Bible EXCEPT when something else (such as science, modern medicine, learned men, universities, education, etc.) contradicts the Bible?

It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.

DOES the reader believe he is saved?

Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival

DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?

Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation

THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report

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[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: January 4-6, 2019.]

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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier

image: ETPR/jannoon028, Stuart Miles, FreeDigitalPhotos.net/ETPR

© Jeremiah J. Jameson and End Times Prophecy Report, 2012-18. © Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report, DBKP, 2007-2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s authors and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jeremiah J. Jameson, Mondo Frazier and End Times Prophecy Report with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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Author: Jeremiah J Jameson

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