Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:20
This verse states that there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin, which contradicts the call to be holy, as holiness implies being without sin.
Ecclesiastes 7:20: For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Contradiction with Romans 3:23
This verse claims that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, contradicting the expectation of being holy as expressed in 1 Peter 1:16.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6
Describes all our righteous acts as filthy rags, indicating that human effort alone cannot achieve holiness, contradicting the call to be holy.
Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Contradiction with Proverbs 20:9
This verse questions who can say they have kept their heart pure and are clean from sin, suggesting the impossibility of being entirely holy as 1 Peter 1:16 instructs.
Proverbs 20:9: Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
Paradox #1
The contradiction might arise from the expectation of holiness. While the verse encourages people to be holy, some may find it unrealistic or feel pressured to live up to this high standard, especially when human nature is imperfect. This could lead to feelings of inadequacy or hypocrisy if individuals struggle to meet these expectations consistently in their everyday lives.