Contradiction with Exodus 34:7
This verse mentions visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, which contrasts with the individual accountability emphasized in Ezekiel 18:21.
Exodus 34:7: Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear [the guilty]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Numbers 14:18
This verse speaks about God punishing children for the sins of their parents, which opposes the idea of personal responsibility in Ezekiel 18:21.
Numbers 14:18: The LORD [is] longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing [the guilty], visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation].
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 5:9
This verse states that the iniquities of the fathers will be visited upon the children, contradicting the doctrine of individual repentance in Ezekiel 18:21.
Deuteronomy 5:9: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me,
Contradiction with 2 Samuel 12:14
This verse discusses the punishment extending to the child due to the sin of the parent, conflicting with the notion of individual recompense in Ezekiel 18:21.
2 Samuel 12:14: Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also [that is] born unto thee shall surely die.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 32:18
This verse emphasizes recompensing the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children, which opposes the concept of personal accountability highlighted in Ezekiel 18:21.
Jeremiah 32:18: Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name,
Paradox #1
The contradiction could be that Ezekiel 18:21 suggests that a wicked person can become righteous and be saved if they turn away from their sins and follow God's laws. This may seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that emphasize the importance of faith for salvation, such as in the New Testament, where faith in Jesus is often highlighted as crucial for being saved. This can create a tension between the idea of salvation through actions versus salvation through faith.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 18:21 suggests that a wicked person can avoid punishment by turning away from sin and doing what is right. A perceived contradiction might arise when comparing this with the idea of inherited guilt or the concept that punishment for sin can affect future generations, as some interpret from other parts of the Bible. These differing views may seem inconsistent regarding individual responsibility and inherited consequences.
Paradox #3
Ezekiel 18:21 talks about a person turning away from sin and being forgiven. Some see a contradiction with other Bible passages that suggest people are punished for their actions no matter what. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of being forgiven just by changing behavior.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or conflict in Ezekiel 18:21 could arise from the tension between justice and mercy. On one hand, the idea of forgiving a wicked person who repents and giving them life could seem unjust to those who think that they should still face punishment for past deeds. On the other hand, it shows mercy and the possibility of redemption, which might conflict with strict notions of justice that emphasize punishment. This could lead to debates about fairness and accountability.