Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 John 1:9

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 John 1:9 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 John 1:9. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, if we tell God about the bad things we’ve done, He is good and fair and will forgive us, making us clean from all the wrong things. God always keeps His promises, so we can trust Him to help us when we’re sorry.

1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Contradiction with Hebrews 10:26

This verse suggests that if we sin willfully after receiving knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, contradicting the notion in 1 John 1:9 that confession leads to forgiveness and cleansing from unrighteousness.

Hebrews 10:26: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Contradiction with Matthew 7:21-23

These verses state that not everyone who calls on the Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do God's will, contradicting the assurance of forgiveness and cleansing for confessed sins in 1 John 1:9.

Matthew 7:21-23: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Contradiction with Romans 6:1-2

These verses question whether we should continue in sin so that grace may abound, and emphatically say no, challenging the idea in 1 John 1:9 that confession is always available for forgiveness.

Romans 6:1-2: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Contradiction with James 2:17

This verse emphasizes that faith without works is dead, which could be seen as conflicting with the message in 1 John 1:9 that confession alone leads to forgiveness and cleansing.

James 2:17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [alone: Gr. by itself]

Contradiction with Galatians 5:19-21

These verses caution that those who practice the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God, potentially contradicting the idea that confession of sins as per 1 John 1:9 is sufficient for forgiveness and cleansing.

Galatians 5:19-21: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Paradox #1

1 John 1:9 could seem to conflict with the idea that once someone is saved, they no longer need to seek forgiveness because their sins are already forgiven. This verse emphasizes confessing sins to receive forgiveness, which might seem inconsistent with the belief that faith alone is sufficient for salvation. Critics may see this as a contradiction in how ongoing sin and forgiveness are addressed in Christian doctrine.

Paradox #2

Some people might see a contradiction in the idea that confessing can lead to forgiveness, which could be seen as allowing people to do wrong without facing consequences, as long as they admit it later. This could be viewed as conflicting with the idea of personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions.

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