Contradiction with Matthew 6:15
If you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your trespasses, which implies a conditional forgiveness unlike the unconditional forgiveness emphasized in Mark 11:25.
Matthew 6:15: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Contradiction with Luke 17:3
This verse emphasizes rebuking a brother for his sins and forgiving him if he repents, suggesting a need for penitence before forgiveness, unlike Mark 11:25's unconditional forgiveness.
Luke 17:3: Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Paradox #1
The verse emphasizes forgiveness, which might appear to conflict with some Old Testament passages where punishment and retribution are more prominent. This could lead to questions about the consistency between the call for forgiveness and justice or punishment in different parts of the Bible.
Paradox #2
Mark 11:25 emphasizes the importance of forgiving others so that your own sins may be forgiven. A potential contradiction or inconsistency could arise when comparing this idea with the concept that salvation and forgiveness are by faith alone, as emphasized in other parts of the New Testament (like Ephesians 2:8-9). The potential conflict is between forgiveness being contingent on our actions (forgiving others) versus forgiveness being a gift received through faith without relying on actions.
Paradox #3
One potential inconsistency with the idea in Mark 11:25 is found in the different biblical teachings or emphasis on forgiveness. For instance, some Old Testament passages focus heavily on justice and retribution rather than forgiveness, which could seem at odds with the exhortation to forgive others unconditionally. Additionally, debates arise about the conditions of forgiveness—for example, whether forgiveness should still be offered if the offender does not repent, which is discussed differently in various biblical texts.
Paradox #4
Mark 11:25 talks about forgiving others so that God will forgive your sins. The possible contradiction might be that forgiveness could seem contingent on one's actions, implying it's conditional, whereas other teachings suggest divine forgiveness is limitless and unconditional. This could create confusion about the nature of divine forgiveness.