Contradiction with John 10:28-29
Jesus promises eternal security for believers, suggesting they cannot be cast away or lose their reward, unlike the fear expressed in 1 Corinthians 9:27 about being a castaway.
John 10:28-29: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
Contradiction with Ephesians 2:8-9
Salvation is described as a gift of grace, not works, contradicting Paul's emphasis on discipline to avoid being a castaway.
Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Contradiction with Romans 8:38-39
Assures believers that nothing can separate them from God's love, opposing the notion of being disqualified or becoming a castaway.
Romans 8:38-39: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Contradiction with Philippians 1:6
Promises that God will complete the work He started in believers, contrasting with Paul's fear of becoming a castaway.
Philippians 1:6: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: [perform: or, finish]
Contradiction with John 6:37
Jesus states that He will never cast out those who come to Him, conflicting with Paul's concern of being a castaway.
John 6:37: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:12
Paul expresses confidence that God is able to guard what has been entrusted to Him, which contradicts his own concern about being a castaway.
2 Timothy 1:12: For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. [believed: or, trusted]
Paradox #1
The verse could be seen as conflicting with the idea of salvation by faith alone, as it emphasizes discipline and control over one's body to avoid being disqualified, which might suggest that personal effort is necessary for salvation. This seems to contrast with teachings that emphasize faith rather than works.
Paradox #2
1 Corinthians 9:27 may appear to conflict with the belief in the assurance of salvation, which suggests that once someone is truly saved, they cannot lose their salvation. The verse suggests a need for self-discipline to avoid being disqualified, which some interpret as a potential loss of salvation. This can seem at odds with the idea that salvation, once granted, is secure regardless of one's actions.
Paradox #3
1 Corinthians 9:27 can raise questions about self-discipline and control. Some might see a contradiction between the emphasis on strict self-control and the idea of grace or faith being sufficient for spiritual well-being. If spiritual success comes from faith, then the need for intense physical or personal discipline might appear contradictory.