Contradiction with James 2:14
This verse suggests that faith without works is dead, implying that actions are necessary, whereas Matthew 25:45 emphasizes neglecting actions for the least of others is equivalent to neglecting Jesus himself, focusing on actions directly.
James 2:14: What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Contradiction with Romans 3:28
It states that a person is justified by faith apart from works, which could contradict Matthew 25:45’s implication that failing to do works for others is a failing towards Christ.
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, potentially contradicting Matthew 25:45 where the absence of caring deeds is judged.
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 Titus 3:5
This verse underscores salvation not by works of righteousness, contrasting Matthew 25:45’s message that neglecting to do good for others is neglecting Christ.
Titus 3:5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Contradiction with Galatians 2:16
Highlights justification by faith in Christ, not by works, seemingly in contradiction with Matthew 25:45’s emphasis on omission of deeds among ‘the least’ as omission towards Christ.
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.
Paradox #1
Some people find a conflict between this verse and the idea of salvation by faith alone. The verse suggests that actions and how we treat others are important, which could be seen as suggesting that good deeds are necessary for salvation. This seems to contradict the belief that faith alone is sufficient.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in this verse could be that it emphasizes helping those in need as equivalent to serving a higher power, yet in practice, religious communities and individuals may sometimes fail to prioritize or consistently act on this principle, leading to a gap between belief and action.