Contradictions and Paradoxes in Galatians 3:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Galatians 3:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Galatians 3:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, you started your journey with God's help, and now it's silly to think you can be perfect on your own without Him. It's like starting with the right tools and then trying to finish with the wrong ones.

Galatians 3:3: Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Contradiction with James 2:24

This verse emphasizes that a person is justified by works and not by faith only, which seems to contradict Galatians 3:3, where continuing to perfect through works is questioned.

James 2:24: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Contradiction with Romans 3:28

This verse states that a man is justified by faith without deeds of the law, which contrasts with the implication in Galatians 3:3 regarding relying on works for perfection.

Romans 3:28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Contradiction with Philippians 2:12

This verse encourages believers to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, potentially opposing the message of Galatians 3:3 about relying on the Spirit rather than efforts.

Philippians 2:12: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Contradiction with James 2:17

This verse asserts that faith without works is dead, which could contradict the notion in Galatians 3:3 that implies perfection through the Spirit without dependence on works.

James 2:17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [alone: Gr. by itself]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:16

This verse encourages letting your light shine before men through good works, which may contrast with Galatians 3:3's implication about not relying on human effort for spiritual maturity.

Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Paradox #1

Galatians 3:3 addresses the issue of relying on human effort rather than faith. A potential doctrinal conflict could arise if this verse is compared to verses emphasizing the importance of good works. Some might see a contradiction between faith and works, but many understand it as works being a result of genuine faith, rather than a means to achieve it. Thus, the seeming contradiction is often harmonized by viewing faith and works as interconnected.

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