Contradiction with Romans 3:28
States that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law, suggesting reliance on faith rather than searching the scriptures for eternal life.
Romans 3:28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Contradiction with Ephesians 2:8-9
Emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, not works; contrasting with the implication in John 5:39 that scripture itself leads to eternal life.
Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Contradiction with Romans 4:5
Highlights that faith, not works, is credited as righteousness, which could contradict the idea of searching scriptures as a path to salvation.
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 3:11
Declares that no one is justified by the law in God's sight, opposing the notion that scripture (seen as law) is the key to eternal life.
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 Galatians 2:16
Asserts that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, seeming to challenge the focus on scripture in John 5:39.
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 1 Corinthians 1:21
States that it pleased God to save those who believe by preaching, not through the knowledge gained from scripture itself.
1 Corinthians 1:21: For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Contradiction with Philippians 3:9
Speaks of righteousness through faith in Christ, not by the law, differing from the notion that eternal life comes through scripture.
Philippians 3:9: And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Contradiction with Hebrews 11:6
Indicates that faith is necessary to please God, implying that searching the scriptures alone is not enough.
Hebrews 11:6: But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:4
Warns that those seeking justification by the law are fallen from grace, contrasting with the search for life through scripture suggested in John 5:39.
Galatians 5:4: Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Contradiction with Colossians 2:14
Refers to the blotting out of the handwriting of ordinances, emphasizing a move away from the law, which the scripture represents in the context of John 5:39.
Colossians 2:14: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Paradox #1
John 5:39 could be seen as a contradiction if interpreted as suggesting that studying the Scriptures alone can lead to eternal life. This might conflict with the belief that faith in Jesus is essential for salvation. The verse can be understood in a broader context where the Scriptures point to Jesus, emphasizing that knowledge of the Scriptures is important, but not sufficient on its own without faith in Christ.
Paradox #2
John 5:39 could present a moral inconsistency in that it emphasizes studying scriptures to find eternal life, yet Jesus suggests that scriptures alone are not enough for salvation—it is belief in Him that is needed. This could create a conflict between relying on religious texts and focusing on faith in Jesus himself.