Contradiction with John 14:6
Ezekiel 20:41 describes God's acceptance and sanctification of His people, while John 14:6 emphasizes that Jesus is the only way to God, suggesting exclusivity in the means of sanctification.
John 14:6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Contradiction with Romans 3:23
Ezekiel 20:41 portrays God as finding His people acceptable, while Romans 3:23 declares that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, implying that acceptance is not inherent.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6
Ezekiel 20:41 speaks of God accepting His people, yet Isaiah 64:6 states that our righteousness is like filthy rags, questioning the acceptability of human deeds.
Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Contradiction with Matthew 7:21
Ezekiel 20:41 indicates God will accept His people, but Matthew 7:21 warns that not everyone who calls Him 'Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, highlighting a conditional acceptance.
Matthew 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Contradiction with Galatians 2:16
Ezekiel 20:41 focuses on divine acceptance, while Galatians 2:16 teaches that one is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, contrasting paths to acceptance.
Galatians 2:16: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
While Ezekiel 20:41 speaks of acceptance, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, suggesting that some will not be accepted.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Contradiction with James 2:24
Ezekiel 20:41 suggests divine favor, but James 2:24 emphasizes that a person is justified by works and not by faith only, highlighting different criteria for acceptance.
James 2:24: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in this verse could arise from the idea of God taking pleasure in the restoration of His people, which may seem inconsistent if viewed alongside other instances in the Bible where punishment and destruction are emphasized. The conflict lies in reconciling the image of a compassionate God with one who also enacts severe judgments. This can leave readers questioning how divine justice and mercy coexist.