Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Corinthians 5:6

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Corinthians 5:6 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Corinthians 5:6. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, Christians feel sure and brave because they know that as long as they are living in their bodies on Earth, they are not yet living with God in Heaven. They believe that being with God is even better than living in their bodies here.

2 Corinthians 5:6: Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

Contradiction with Philippians 1:21-23

These verses express a desire to depart and be with Christ, suggesting being separate from the body is more desirable, which contrasts with 2 Corinthians 5:6 that implies being at home in the body is being absent from the Lord.

Philippians 1:21-23: For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:5

This verse states the dead know nothing, challenging the implication in 2 Corinthians 5:6 of a conscious presence with the Lord when absent from the body.

Ecclesiastes 9:5: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Contradiction with Luke 23:43

Jesus promises the thief on the cross immediate presence in paradise that day, which seems to contradict the idea of absence from the Lord while in the body as per 2 Corinthians 5:6.

Luke 23:43: And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Contradiction with Job 14:10-12

These verses speak of a person not rising again until the heavens are no more, contradicting the immediate presence with the Lord suggested in 2 Corinthians 5:6 when absent from the body.

Job 14:10-12: But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where [is] he? [wasteth...: Heb. is weakened, or, cut off]

Contradiction with Psalm 115:17

This verse states the dead do not praise the Lord, opposing the notion in 2 Corinthians 5:6 of being with the Lord when absent from the body.

Psalm 115:17: The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

Paradox #1

2 Corinthians 5:6 talks about having confidence and being away from the body as being present with the Lord. Some might see a contradiction or conflict in the idea of being away from the physical body being better, as it could suggest that life on earth is less valuable or significant than the afterlife. This might conflict with the idea that the physical life and world are important and should be cherished and cared for.

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