Contradiction with James 4:3
This verse states that people ask and do not receive because they ask with wrong motives, contradicting the idea that you receive what you ask for as long as you keep God's commandments, as stated in 1 John 3:22.
James 4:3: Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. [lusts: or, pleasures]
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
In these verses, Paul asks the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh but does not receive what he asks for, contradicting 1 John 3:22 which implies that anything asked for will be received if commandments are kept.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Contradiction with Psalm 66:18
This verse suggests that if there is iniquity in the heart, the Lord will not hear, contradicting 1 John 3:22's implication that adherence to commandments alone ensures answered prayers.
Psalm 66:18: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:
Contradiction with Matthew 7:21-23
These verses indicate that not everyone who appears to do God's will enters the kingdom of heaven, contradicting the assumption in 1 John 3:22 that those who keep God's commandments universally receive what they ask for.
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 Isaiah 59:2
This verse points out that iniquities can separate people from God so that he does not hear, contradicting 1 John 3:22 where assumptions are made that adherence to commandments guarantees answers to prayer.
Isaiah 59:2: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear. [have hid: or, have made him hide]
Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:12
Here it is stated that the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, suggesting that keeping commandments isn't the only condition, which challenges the notion in 1 John 3:22 that those who obey receive whatever they ask.
1 Peter 3:12: For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil. [against: Gr. upon]
Contradiction with Matthew 26:39
This verse shows Jesus asking for the cup to pass from Him, yet not receiving this request, contradicting the idea in 1 John 3:22 that keeping commandments and pleasing God leads to receiving whatever is asked for.
Matthew 26:39: And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Paradox #1
Some people might see a contradiction with this verse and other parts of the Bible that talk about unanswered prayers or prayers that don't get exactly what one wants. It suggests that if you follow God's commandments and do what's pleasing to Him, you will receive whatever you ask for. However, there are other parts of the Bible that say God’s answers to prayers depend on His will, not just our behavior. This could seem inconsistent to some.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or inconsistency with 1 John 3:22 could arise from its statement about receiving whatever we ask from God because we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. This idea might conflict with personal experiences or other biblical passages suggesting that faithful individuals may face unanswered prayers or hardships, despite their obedience and faithfulness. Such differences can create tension in understanding the nature of prayer and divine response.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency with that verse could be the implication that prayers are answered if certain conditions are met. This concept doesn't align with scientific understanding, as science relies on evidence, testability, and reproducibility, while the effectiveness of prayer cannot be scientifically measured or tested in a controlled, consistent manner.
Paradox #4
The contradiction in 1 John 3:22 could arise from the idea that receiving what we ask for is contingent on keeping God's commandments and doing what pleases Him. This might conflict with the belief that God's love and grace are unconditional and not based on actions or compliance with specific rules. It suggests a transactional relationship with God, which can appear inconsistent with the concept of grace being freely given.