Contradiction with 1 John 4:2
This verse mentions that every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, while 1 Corinthians 12:3 states no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit, suggesting a potential contradiction regarding confession and recognition of Jesus.
1 John 4:2: Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
Contradiction with Mark 9:39
Here, Jesus tells the disciples not to stop someone driving out demons in his name, implying one can act in His name without the Holy Spirit’s explicit declaration, contrasting with 1 Corinthians 12:3 that emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in acknowledging Jesus as Lord.
Mark 9:39: But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
Paradox #1
Some people might see a contradiction when 1 Corinthians 12:3 says no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit, yet many non-Christians and people from other religions can say the words without believing in Jesus. The verse seems to emphasize that only true belief comes with the influence of the Holy Spirit, but the literal action of saying "Jesus is Lord" can be done by anyone regardless of faith.
Paradox #2
1 Corinthians 12:3 could be seen as potentially contradictory when compared to some other biblical ideas about how individuals come to recognize Jesus as Lord. The verse implies that the Holy Spirit is essential for someone to genuinely declare Jesus as Lord. This could be seen as conflicting with the idea of free will or the understanding that people can come to faith or acknowledge Jesus through personal decision or reasoning alone. In essence, it raises questions about the role of divine assistance versus personal choice in accepting Jesus.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or conflict in 1 Corinthians 12:3 could stem from the claim about who can acknowledge Jesus as Lord. It suggests that one can only do so through the Holy Spirit. This might conflict with the idea that people of different faiths or beliefs could still recognize the moral or spiritual authority of Jesus without necessarily being influenced by the Holy Spirit. This could lead to a perceived exclusivity in religious experiences and beliefs.