Contradiction with John 10:28
This verse suggests that those who have eternal life from Jesus will never perish or be lost, implying perseverance, which contradicts the notion of people departing because they were not truly part of the community.
John 10:28: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
Contradiction with 1 John 5:13
This verse indicates assurance of eternal life to believers, which contradicts the implication that some who were once part of the community can leave or fall away, showing they weren't truly believers.
1 John 5:13: These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Contradiction with Romans 8:38-39
This passage speaks to the inseparability of believers from the love of God, contradicting the idea that people can depart from a faith community, indicating they were never truly part of it.
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 Hebrews 6:4-6
This passage suggests that it is possible for those who have been enlightened and shared in the Holy Spirit to fall away, contradicting the implication that those who leave were never truly part of the faith.
Hebrews 6:4-6: For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Contradiction with Matthew 7:21-23
While this passage stresses that not everyone who calls Jesus 'Lord' will enter the kingdom, it contradicts the notion by implying that outwardly religious people can be self-deceived and unaware of their true standing, not necessarily known by God.
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 2 Timothy 2:12
This verse warns that if we deny Him, He will also deny us, suggesting a possibility of turning away, contradicting the idea that those who seem to leave never truly belonged.
2 Timothy 2:12: If we suffer, we shall also reign with [him]: if we deny [him], he also will deny us:
Paradox #1
1 John 2:19 could be seen as contradictory because it suggests that those who leave the Christian community were never truly part of it. This might conflict with the idea that people can lose their faith after genuinely believing. Another theological view is that once someone is saved, they cannot lose their salvation, which would make the leaving of faith a complex issue. This could create tension between beliefs about free will, salvation, and community belonging.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency in 1 John 2:19 might arise if one considers the idea of community and inclusion. The verse suggests that those who leave a group were never truly part of it, which can conflict with values of forgiveness and giving people the benefit of the doubt. It may seem harsh to immediately assume that someone who departs was never genuinely committed, rather than considering other personal or circumstantial reasons for their departure. This could be seen as lacking compassion or understanding.