Contradictions and Paradoxes in John 3:18

Check out Contradictions Catalog of John 3:18 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts John 3:18. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to the author of the book, John, if you believe in Jesus, God won't say you're bad, but if you don't believe in Jesus, it's like you're already in trouble with God because you didn't trust in His special Son.

John 3:18: He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Contradiction with James 2:24

Emphasizes the role of works in justification, whereas John 3:18 focuses solely on belief.

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

Contradiction with Matthew 7:21

Stresses the importance of doing the will of God for entering the kingdom of heaven, contrasting John 3:18, which highlights belief as key to salvation.

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 Romans 2:6-7

Suggests that eternal life is granted to those who do good works, conflicting with John 3:18's emphasis on belief for salvation.

Romans 2:6-7: Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

Contradiction with Hebrews 10:26-27

Warns of judgment for willful sin after receiving the knowledge of truth, which suggests belief alone does not guarantee salvation, differing from John 3:18.

Hebrews 10:26-27: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:10

Indicates that everyone will be judged according to their deeds, contradicting the belief-focused outcome in John 3:18.

2 Corinthians 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad.

Contradiction with Galatians 5:19-21

Lists behaviors preventing people from inheriting the kingdom, implying actions affect salvation, in contrast to John 3:18's focus on belief.

Galatians 5:19-21: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Contradiction with Luke 6:46

Questions why people call Jesus "Lord" without doing what He says, implying obedience matters, differing from the belief emphasis in John 3:18.

Luke 6:46: And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Contradiction with Matthew 25:31-46

Describes the judgment based on actions towards others, challenging John 3:18's assertion on belief for salvation.

Matthew 25:31-46: When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Contradiction with John 5:29

Indicates resurrection of life or damnation based on good or evil deeds, differing from the belief-centric view in John 3:18.

John 5:29: And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Paradox #1

Some people argue that there is a contradiction between this verse and the idea of God's universal love and fairness. If salvation depends only on believing in one particular way, it might seem unfair to those who haven't had the chance to know or understand this belief. This raises questions about the inclusivity of God's love and the fairness of judgment for people who might have different beliefs.

Paradox #2

Some might see a conflict with the idea of universal salvation. While John 3:18 emphasizes belief in one specific path to avoid condemnation, universal salvation suggests that all people will eventually be saved regardless of their beliefs. This can create a doctrinal inconsistency for those who try to reconcile these two ideas.

Paradox #3

John 3:18 suggests that those who do not believe are already condemned, which may create a conflict with the idea of a loving and forgiving God who offers second chances to everyone. This could seem inconsistent with the concept of unconditional love and forgiveness.

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