Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:20
This verse states that there is not a just man on earth who continuously does good and does not sin, suggesting the impossibility of achieving the perfection mentioned in Matthew 5:48.
Ecclesiastes 7:20: For [there is] not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Contradiction with Romans 3:23
It declares that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, contradicting the call to be perfect by acknowledging universal human imperfection.
Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Contradiction with 1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, indicating that claiming or achieving perfection is deceitful and unattainable.
1 John 1:8: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Contradiction with 1 Kings 8:46
This verse mentions that there is no one who does not sin, which contrasts with the command to be perfect like the heavenly Father.
1 Kings 8:46: If they sin against thee, (for [there is] no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;
Paradox #1
Matthew 5:48 might seem to present a conflict because it calls for perfection, which can be seen as unattainable for humans. The contradiction arises when considering other parts of the Bible that acknowledge human imperfection and the need for grace and forgiveness. This creates tension between the call to be perfect and the understanding that humans are inherently flawed.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction with the idea of being perfect as suggested in the verse and the belief that all humans are flawed and cannot achieve perfection on their own. This can create tension between striving for a divine ideal and accepting human limitations.
Paradox #3
The verse suggests achieving perfection, which can be seen as scientifically inconsistent because humans are inherently imperfect due to biological and psychological limitations. Striving for absolute perfection does not align with human nature as understood by science.
Paradox #4
The contradiction or inconsistency with this verse could be that it sets an ideal of perfection that humans might find impossible to achieve, leading to feelings of inadequacy or failure. Some might see it as contradictory because humans are inherently imperfect and the expectation of being perfect can seem unrealistic or unattainable.