Contradiction with Genesis 4:7
In this verse, God tells Cain that if he does well, he will be accepted, suggesting a correlation between actions and acceptance, while Hebrews 11:4 emphasizes faith in Abel's offering rather than actions.
Genesis 4:7: If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. [be accepted: or, have the excellency] [unto...: or, subject unto thee]
Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7
This verse suggests that God does not look at outward sacrifices, but rather the heart, which may contrast with the notion of sacrificial merit seen in Hebrews 11:4.
1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]
Contradiction with Exodus 20:24
This command seems to focus on building altars and making sacrifices, emphasizing the external rituals compared to the focus on faith in Hebrews 11:4.
Exodus 20:24: An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
Contradiction with Micah 6:6-8
These verses imply that God desires justice, mercy, and humility over offerings and sacrifices, which could contradict the faith-based acceptance of Abel’s offering mentioned in Hebrews 11:4.
Micah 6:6-8: Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? [of a...: Heb. sons of a year?]
Contradiction with Hosea 6:6
Here, God expresses a preference for mercy over sacrifice, challenging the emphasis on the faith aspect of Abel’s offering in Hebrews 11:4.
Hosea 6:6: For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Paradox #1
Hebrews 11:4 mentions an event involving offerings made by Abel and Cain. A contradiction might be seen in the idea of offerings influencing divine favor or acceptance, as science does not support the concept of supernatural beings or actions influencing reality based on offerings. Science relies on evidence and experimentation, whereas this verse deals with faith and belief in divine intervention, which cannot be tested or measured scientifically.