Contradiction with Isaiah 1:18
Ezekiel 24:12 speaks metaphorically of scum not going out of a pot, symbolizing wickedness persisting despite efforts to purify. Isaiah 1:18 offers hope of cleansing and becoming white as snow, implying successful purification.
Isaiah 1:18: Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Contradiction with 1 John 1:9
Ezekiel 24:12 describes an enduring impurity in the pot, while 1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness, indicating no enduring impurity.
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 Psalm 51:7
Ezekiel 24:12 metaphorically describes a persistent impurity, but Psalm 51:7 speaks of being washed and becoming whiter than snow, suggesting complete purification.
Psalm 51:7: Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Paradox #1
Ezekiel 24:12 might present a contradiction or inconsistency in the sense that it describes futile efforts to clean something that remains dirty despite constant effort. This could be seen as conflicting with the moral teaching that hard work and repentance lead to cleansing or redemption. The verse suggests that some situations or people might remain corrupt or beyond cleansing regardless of effort, which could appear inconsistent with themes of forgiveness and transformation found elsewhere in the Bible.