Contradiction with 1 John 1:9
Ephesians 5:5 implies no inheritance for those who sin, but 1 John 1:9 assures forgiveness if we confess our sins.
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 1 Corinthians 6:11
Ephesians 5:5 states certain sinners have no inheritance, yet 1 Corinthians 6:11 says people who were sinners can be washed, sanctified, and justified.
1 Corinthians 6:11: And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Contradiction with Luke 23:42-43
Ephesians 5:5 seems to exclude forgiveness for certain sinners, while Luke 23:42-43 shows Jesus promising paradise to a repentant thief.
Luke 23:42-43: And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Contradiction with Romans 8:1
Ephesians 5:5 declares judgment on unrighteousness, but Romans 8:1 states no condemnation for those in Christ, implying salvation through grace.
Romans 8:1: [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Contradiction with Matthew 21:31
Ephesians 5:5 might exclude certain sinners, yet Matthew 21:31 indicates that even perceived sinners might enter the kingdom of God before the self-righteous.
Matthew 21:31: Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:17
Ephesians 5:5 speaks of exclusion based on past sins, whereas 2 Corinthians 5:17 assures that anyone in Christ is a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [he is: or, let him be]
Paradox #1
Ephesians 5:5 states that certain behaviors such as greed and impurity prevent people from inheriting the kingdom of God. A potential theological conflict might arise when considering the concept of grace and forgiveness in Christianity, where it's believed that faith in Jesus and repentance lead to salvation. This could seem contradictory because it implies that certain actions might override faith in determining one's spiritual destiny, raising questions about how grace and actions interact in the process of salvation.
Paradox #2
Ephesians 5:5 warns against engaging in certain sinful behaviors, stating that those who do will not inherit the kingdom of Christ and God. A potential contradiction or inconsistency could arise with other biblical passages that emphasize God's grace and forgiveness, suggesting that all sins can be forgiven if one repents and believes in Jesus. This could be seen as conflicting with the idea that certain behaviors categorically exclude someone from God's kingdom. However, many theologians resolve this by interpreting it as a strong warning rather than an absolute exclusion, highlighting the importance of sincere repentance and transformation.
Paradox #3
The potential contradiction or conflict could stem from the idea that the verse excludes certain people from the kingdom of God based on their behavior or lifestyle. This could be seen as conflicting with other messages of forgiveness, acceptance, and love found in the Bible, which emphasize that everyone can receive grace and redemption regardless of past actions.