Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 4:17

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 4:17 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 4:17. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, Jesus began to tell people that they should say sorry for their wrong actions because God's special place, the kingdom of heaven, was coming soon. He wanted everyone to be ready for this important event.

Matthew 4:17: From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Contradiction with Matthew 7:21

This verse emphasizes that not everyone who calls Jesus "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, implying that repentance alone (as suggested in Matthew 4:17) is not enough without doing the will of the Father.

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 3:28

This verse upholds justification by faith alone, suggesting that repentance and works alone do not lead to salvation.

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

These verses state that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works, which can be seen as contradicting the call for repentance in Matthew 4:17 as a means to the kingdom.

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 1 John 1:9

This verse implies that confession of sins, in addition to repentance, is necessary for forgiveness, adding a layer to what Matthew 4:17 suggests.

1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Contradiction with Isaiah 64:6

This verse suggests that human righteousness is as filthy rags, contradicting the notion that repentance can make one worthy of the kingdom of heaven.

Isaiah 64:6: But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Paradox #1

Some people might see a conflict between the call for repentance in this verse and the belief that faith or grace alone is needed for salvation. This can lead to discussions about how actions and beliefs both play roles in spiritual growth.

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