Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 John 3:20

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 John 3:20 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 John 3:20. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, even if we feel bad and our hearts make us feel guilty, God is bigger and knows everything that's happening. So, we can trust God to help us because He understands us better than we understand ourselves.

1 John 3:20: For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

Contradiction with Genesis 6:6

This verse expresses God's regret for making humanity, suggesting a mutability or lack of foreknowledge which contrasts with the omniscience implied in 1 John 3:20.

Genesis 6:6: And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Contradiction with Exodus 32:14

God changes His mind about the disaster He planned, indicating a flexibility not compatible with the absolute knowledge in 1 John 3:20.

Exodus 32:14: And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 19:5

God states that certain human actions did not come into His mind, implying a limit to His omniscience.

Jeremiah 19:5: They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire [for] burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake [it], neither came [it] into my mind:

Contradiction with Jonah 3:10

God relenting from a pronounced judgment suggests a capacity for change not apparent in the definitive knowledge of 1 John 3:20.

Jonah 3:10: And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did [it] not.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 15:11

God's regret over making Saul king shows a shift in decision that contrasts with the idea of God's all-encompassing knowledge in 1 John 3:20.

1 Samuel 15:11: It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Contradiction with Jeremiah 7:31

It is stated that certain actions did not come into God's mind, challenging the notion of His omniscience presented in 1 John 3:20.

Jeremiah 7:31: And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart. [came...: Heb. came it upon my heart]

Paradox #1

1 John 3:20 discusses God's omniscience and understanding of our hearts, which might raise questions about the balance between God's all-knowing nature and human free will. Some might see a conflict in how God’s complete knowledge interacts with our ability to make independent choices, questioning whether true free will exists if God already knows everything we will do. This tension can lead to discussions about the nature of divine foreknowledge and human freedom.

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