Contradictions and Paradoxes in 1 John 5:4

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 1 John 5:4 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 1 John 5:4. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to John, anyone who is a child of God can defeat the bad things in the world. The secret to winning is having strong belief and trust in God.

1 John 5:4: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. [is born: Gr. has been born]

Contradiction with Hebrews 11:1

Whereas 1 John 5:4 emphasizes faith as a victory, Hebrews 11:1 highlights faith as a substance and evidence of things not seen, suggesting more of a foundational belief than an act of overcoming.

Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [substance: or, ground, or, confidence]

Contradiction with James 2:17

1 John 5:4 describes faith as victorious, but James 2:17 suggests that faith without works is dead, potentially contradicting the idea of victory through faith alone.

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

Contradiction with Romans 8:24

1 John 5:4 states faith overcomes the world, yet Romans 8:24 implies hope through salvation, not victory through faith alone.

Romans 8:24: For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

Contradiction with Matthew 17:20

While 1 John 5:4 associates faith with victory, Matthew 17:20 says faith removes mountains, suggesting a different aspect of faith's power rather than victory over the world.

Matthew 17:20: And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Paradox #1

The contradiction or inconsistency might come from the idea that faith alone is what leads to victory, which could conflict with the belief that good deeds and actions are also necessary for overcoming challenges or hardship. Some might see a tension between having faith and needing to act.

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