Contradiction with Psalm 30:5
This verse suggests that God's anger endures only for a moment, contradicting Mark 9:48's implication of unending consequences.
Psalm 30:5: For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning. [his anger...: Heb. there is but a moment in his anger] [for a night: Heb. in the evening] [joy: Heb. singing]
Contradiction with Isaiah 57:16
This verse implies limits to God's anger and punishment, conflicting with the eternal nature of Mark 9:48.
Isaiah 57:16: For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls [which] I have made.
Contradiction with John 3:16
Promises eternal life to believers, which contradicts the perpetual torment implied in Mark 9:48.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Contradiction with Romans 6:23
States that the gift of God is eternal life, contrasting with the unending torment in Mark 9:48.
Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Contradiction with Revelation 21:4
Mentions no more death or pain in the new creation, contradicting the ongoing suffering depicted in Mark 9:48.
Revelation 21:4: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Paradox #1
Some people might see a conflict between Mark 9:48, which mentions eternal punishment, and the idea of a loving and forgiving God. They might find it hard to understand how eternal punishment fits with God's love and mercy. However, others interpret these concepts in different ways to resolve the contradiction.
Paradox #2
The contradiction could be that the verse describes a place where "the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched," which conflicts with the scientific understanding of biological and physical laws. In nature, worms eventually die, and fires require fuel to continue burning. Therefore, the perpetual existence of worms and fire described in the verse doesn't align with known scientific principles regarding decay and combustion.
Paradox #3
The contradiction in this verse could relate to the portrayal of eternal punishment, such as hell, which might conflict with the idea of a loving and forgiving God. Some people find it hard to reconcile the concept of endless suffering with the idea of a compassionate and merciful deity. This can lead to questions about justice and mercy being in conflict within religious teachings.