Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse asserts that individuals are responsible for their own sin and will not be punished for the sins of others, which contradicts Ephesians 2:3's implication of inheriting a sinful nature.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with 1 John 3:9
This verse suggests that those born of God do not continue to sin, contrasting with Ephesians 2:3’s description of being by nature deserving of wrath.
1 John 3:9: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. [is born: or, has been born]
Contradiction with Romans 5:19
This highlights the transition from disobedience to righteousness through Jesus, which some interpret as contradicting the idea of inherently sinful nature in Ephesians 2:3.
Romans 5:19: For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Contradiction with Psalm 51:5
This verse, though similar in recognizing sin from birth, often sparks debate about original sin and personal sin, offering a different perspective than Ephesians 2:3.
Psalm 51:5: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. [conceive...: Heb. warm me]
Contradiction with Genesis 8:21
This verse acknowledges the evil inclination in human hearts from youth, which, while highlighting inherent sin, focuses on God’s compassion rather than wrath as in Ephesians 2:3.
Genesis 8:21: And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart [is] evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. [a sweet...: Heb. a savour of rest or, satisfaction] [for the imagination: or, through the imagination]
Contradiction with James 1:14-15
It describes sin as a result of personal temptation and desires, contradicting Ephesians 2:3’s notion of inherently being subject to wrath by birth.
James 1:14-15: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Paradox #1
Ephesians 2:3 talks about human nature being sinful. Some people see a contradiction or conflict with the idea that humans are created in the image of God, which implies goodness. If humans are created good, it can be hard to understand how they can also be inherently sinful. This tension can be seen as a theological inconsistency.
Paradox #2
Ephesians 2:3 mentions human nature as being inherently sinful. The scientific conflict here could involve the concept of human nature. Science, particularly in fields like biology and psychology, often views human behavior and characteristics as influenced by a combination of genetics and environment, not inherently sinful or morally flawed. This view can conflict with religious or philosophical perspectives that describe human nature as innately sinful or morally deficient.
Paradox #3
Ephesians 2:3 talks about how people once lived in sinful desires and were deserving of punishment. A possible contradiction could be that it portrays humans as inherently sinful, which might conflict with views that see people as inherently good or capable of making moral choices independently. This could also be inconsistent with beliefs emphasizing free will and personal accountability, implying instead that people are predisposed to sin.