Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:24
This verse suggests the opposite scenario of Ezekiel 18:26, where if a righteous person turns away from righteousness, they will face death, contradicting the implication in Ezekiel 18:26 about the wicked turning from wickedness resulting in life.
Ezekiel 18:24: But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, [and] doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked [man] doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.
Contradiction with Proverbs 11:19
This verse states that as righteousness leads to life, so one who pursues evil pursues it to their death, suggesting a contrast to the idea that turning from wickedness alone guarantees life.
Proverbs 11:19: As righteousness [tendeth] to life: so he that pursueth evil [pursueth it] to his own death.
Contradiction with Psalms 37:38
Asserts that transgressors shall be destroyed together, without mention of redemption through turning from wickedness, contradicting the conditional nature of Ezekiel 18:26.
Psalms 37:38: But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.
Contradiction with Galatians 6:7
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." This implies a strict reaping of one's deeds, contradicting the concept in Ezekiel 18:26 that wickedness can be abandoned to achieve life.
Galatians 6:7: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Contradiction with Romans 2:6
"Who will render to every man according to his deeds:" Suggests that individuals are judged based on their deeds, without consideration for repentance as mentioned in Ezekiel 18:26.
Romans 2:6: Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Contradiction with Hebrews 10:26-27
Suggests that willful sinning after knowledge of the truth results in judgment without sacrifice for sins, contradicting the repentance and life offered in Ezekiel 18:26.
Hebrews 10:26-27: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 18:26 might seem to conflict with the idea of eternal security or "once saved, always saved." Some believe that once a person is righteous or saved, they cannot lose their salvation. However, this verse suggests that a righteous person can turn away and face consequences, which challenges the belief in unchangeable salvation.
Paradox #2
Ezekiel 18:26 might seem to contradict the idea that once a person is righteous, they are always secure in their righteousness, regardless of future actions. It suggests that a righteous person who turns away and does wrong will face consequences, which some may see as conflicting with teachings that emphasize forgiveness and eternal security for believers.
Paradox #3
Ezekiel 18:26 may seem to conflict with verses that suggest people are punished for their ancestors' sins. This verse indicates each person is responsible for their own actions, which could contradict other parts of the Bible where collective punishment is mentioned.