Contradiction with Genesis 2:17
This verse speaks of death as an immediate consequence of sin, suggesting it's not the "last enemy" but an immediate result of disobedience.
Genesis 2:17: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. [thou shalt surely...: Heb. dying thou shalt die]
Contradiction with Romans 5:12
Here, death is described as entering the world through one man's sin, implying it's intertwined with the human condition rather than a separate, ultimate enemy.
Romans 5:12: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: [for that: or, in whom]
Contradiction with Hebrews 9:27
States that death is appointed to all men, indicating it as a certainty or destiny, not necessarily an enemy to be destroyed.
Hebrews 9:27: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:2
This verse implies that death is a natural and appointed time, not something to be seen solely as an enemy.
Ecclesiastes 3:2: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted; [to be...: Heb. to bear]
Contradiction with Philippians 1:21
Describes death as a gain for believers, contradicting the notion of death purely as an enemy.
Philippians 1:21: For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:8
Suggests a positive aspect of death for believers, desiring to be absent from the body and present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8: We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Contradiction with John 11:25-26
Jesus speaks of those who believe in Him never dying, suggesting a current victory over death, not a future destruction.
John 11:25-26: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Paradox #1
One potential contradiction with this verse is the concept of death being called the "last enemy" to be destroyed. This might conflict with views that see death as a natural part of God's creation or as a transition to an afterlife. If death is considered an enemy, it raises questions about why an all-powerful, benevolent God would allow it to exist in the first place. However, interpretations vary, and some reconcile this by viewing death as a temporary consequence of sin meant to be ultimately overcome.
Paradox #2
1 Corinthians 15:26 discusses the defeat of death, which some might see as conflicting with the idea of eternal punishment or hell, where death or a form of death continues. This could seem inconsistent with the concept of death being fully destroyed.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in the idea that "the last enemy to be destroyed is death" could involve the concept of death itself. From a scientific perspective, death is a natural biological process that occurs in all living organisms. It is not typically considered something that can be "destroyed," as it is an inherent part of life cycles, ecosystems, and evolution. Science sees death as necessary for the continuation of life—allowing for genetic variations, adaptation, and renewal. Thus, the idea of destroying death might conflict with these scientific understandings.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or inconsistency with the verse could come from the idea that death is described as an enemy to be destroyed, while in other parts of the Bible, death is sometimes portrayed as a transition or even a natural part of life designed by God. This creates an inconsistency in how death is perceived—either as a foe or as a divine plan.