Contradiction with Proverbs 24:16
"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief." - This suggests that a righteous person can fall into sin multiple times, contradicting the idea in 1 John 5:18 that one born of God does not sin.
Proverbs 24:16: For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Contradiction with Romans 7:19
"For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." - This reflects Paul's struggle with sin, implying that believers can still sin, in contrast to 1 John 5:18.
Romans 7:19: For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Contradiction with James 3:2
"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." - This suggests that everyone, including believers, can sin in many ways, opposing the statement in 1 John 5:18.
James 3:2: For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body.
Contradiction with 1 John 1:8
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." - This indicates that claiming to be without sin is self-deceptive, conflicting with 1 John 5:18's implication that those born of God do not sin.
1 John 1:8: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction with the verse is the idea that someone could be completely without sin or wrongdoing. Scientifically, human behavior is influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and psychology, suggesting that imperfection and mistakes are natural aspects of being human.
Paradox #2
1 John 5:18 might seem to contradict the observation that Christians can and do sin, whereas the verse suggests otherwise. This creates tension between the verse's implication of perfection and the reality of human imperfection.