Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:13
While Ezekiel 33:15 suggests that turning from sin leads to life, Ezekiel 33:13 warns that even a righteous person will die if they trust in their own righteousness and commit iniquity.
Ezekiel 33:13: When I shall say to the righteous, [that] he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.
Contradiction with Romans 4:5
Ezekiel 33:15 emphasizes the necessity of righteous deeds, but Romans 4:5 maintains that faith, not works, justifies a person before God.
Romans 4:5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Contradiction with Galatians 2:16
This verse points out that a person is justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, contrasting with the emphasis on righteous action in Ezekiel 33:15.
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 Galatians 3:11
Where Ezekiel 33:15 stresses the importance of living righteously to attain life, Galatians 3:11 states that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God, for "the just shall live by faith."
Galatians 3:11: But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Contradiction with James 2:24
Although seemingly similar, James 2:24 asserts that a person is justified by works and not by faith only, potentially conflicting with the understanding of Ezekiel 33:15 when examined in a broader theological context.
James 2:24: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Paradox #1
The contradiction in Ezekiel 33:15 could arise from the idea that a person who once acted wrongly can become righteous by changing their behavior and making amends. Some may see a conflict in the notion that past wrongs can be forgiven simply through present actions, potentially overlooking the impact and consequences of previous misdeeds on others. This raises questions about justice and whether true moral transformation can be achieved solely by changing one's actions.