Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:5
Describes the dead as knowing nothing, which contradicts the idea of desiring to depart and be with Christ.
Ecclesiastes 9:5: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:8
Implies being absent from the body is being present with the Lord but suggests confidence and willingness, not a strong desire as in Philippians 1:23.
2 Corinthians 5:8: We are confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Contradiction with John 11:11-14
Refers to death as sleep, contradicting the notion of immediately being with Christ upon death.
John 11:11-14: These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Contradiction with 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Suggests believers are raised and meet the Lord at his coming, contradicting an immediate presence with Christ after death.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Contradiction with Job 14:12-14
Portrays death as a state of waiting until the heavens be no more, contrasting with the immediate desire to be with Christ.
Job 14:12-14: So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens [be] no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.
Contradiction with Acts 2:29-34
Mentions David not ascending to the heavens, implying contradiction to the immediate union with Christ after death.
Acts 2:29-34: Men [and] brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. [let me: or, I may]
Paradox #1
The verse suggests a desire to depart and be with Christ, which some people interpret as being immediately with Jesus after death. This might seem inconsistent with other parts of the Bible that discuss resurrection and final judgment. It raises questions about when believers actually go to be with Christ—immediately after death or after the final resurrection.
Paradox #2
Philippians 1:23 may seem to conflict with some interpretations of the afterlife, as Paul expresses a desire to depart and be with Christ, which some might see as contradictory to the belief that souls remain inactive until the final resurrection. This can raise questions about the immediate fate of individuals after death according to different theological views.
Paradox #3
The contradiction may arise in the desire for personal departure to be with Christ possibly conflicting with the moral duty to stay and help others on Earth, as one might feel torn between personal spiritual fulfillment and responsibility to support and serve others in their worldly life.