Contradiction with 1 John 1:9
While Ephesians 4:19 describes a hardening of heart and giving oneself over to lasciviousness, 1 John 1:9 emphasizes confessing sins and receiving cleansing and forgiveness, highlighting openness and repentance over callousness.
1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 36:26
Ephesians 4:19 speaks of a heart hardened to indulge in sin, whereas Ezekiel 36:26 promises a new heart and spirit, replacing the stony heart with a heart of flesh, symbolizing openness to God’s guidance contrary to a callous heart.
Ezekiel 36:26: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Contradiction with Psalm 51:10
Ephesians 4:19 describes a moral callousness, but Psalm 51:10 pleads for a clean heart and renewed spirit, indicating a desire for purity and sensitivity to God rather than indulgence in impurity.
Psalm 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. [right: or, constant]
Contradiction with Hebrews 3:13
Ephesians 4:19 notes a descent into callousness and impurity, while Hebrews 3:13 warns against being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness, promoting mutual encouragement to remain faithful.
Hebrews 3:13: But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Contradiction with Matthew 5:8
Ephesians 4:19 reflects those who are insensitive to moral decay, whereas Matthew 5:8 blesses the pure in heart, suggesting the opposite spiritual condition of purity and sensitivity.
Matthew 5:8: Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Contradiction with Romans 12:2
Ephesians 4:19 talks about being past feeling and indulging in impurity, while Romans 12:2 speaks of being transformed and renewing the mind, contrary to giving oneself over to moral insensitivity.
Romans 12:2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Contradiction with James 4:8
Whilst Ephesians 4:19 indicates turning to lewdness, James 4:8 urges drawing near to God and purifying hearts, suggesting active repentance and turning away from sin.
James 4:8: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.
Paradox #1
Ephesians 4:19 talks about people becoming insensitive and indulging in sinful behaviors. A contradiction could arise if one considers the Bible's messages about compassion and understanding for sinners. While the verse warns against sinful behavior, the broader biblical message encourages love and forgiveness, even for those who have turned away. This can create a tension between condemning behavior and practicing compassion.