Contradictions and Paradoxes in Philippians 2:12

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Philippians 2:12 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Philippians 2:12. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, even when no one is watching, we should try our best to do what is right and live like Jesus wants us to, taking it very seriously like how we approach important things with care. This means continuing to believe and follow Jesus' teachings on our own and with a sincere heart.

Philippians 2:12: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Contradiction with Ephesians 2:8-9

These verses emphasize salvation by grace through faith, not of works, contrasting with the "work out your own salvation" aspect of Philippians 2:12.

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 Romans 3:28

This verse states that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law, contradicting the idea of working out salvation.

Romans 3:28: Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Contradiction with Galatians 2:16

Emphasizes that justification is not by works but by faith in Jesus Christ, contradicting the works aspect of Philippians 2:12.

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.

Contradiction with Titus 3:5

Asserts that salvation is not by works of righteousness but by God's mercy, contradicting the idea of working out salvation.

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 2 Timothy 1:9

States that salvation is according to God's purpose and grace, not due to our works, contradicting the idea of working out one's salvation.

2 Timothy 1:9: Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Paradox #1

Philippians 2:12 might seem to contradict the idea of salvation by faith alone, which is emphasized in other parts of the Bible, like in Ephesians 2:8-9. While Philippians 2:12 speaks about working out salvation, some might see it as suggesting that human effort is needed for salvation, creating a potential conflict with the concept of faith-based salvation.

Paradox #2

Philippians 2:12 is sometimes seen as conflicting with the idea of salvation by faith alone, a concept found in other parts of the Bible. This verse talks about "working out" your salvation, which might sound like people need to earn their salvation through actions, whereas other verses emphasize faith as the key to being saved. This can create a perceived inconsistency between faith and works in the process of salvation.

Paradox #3

Some people see a contradiction between Philippians 2:12, which talks about working out your salvation, and other parts of the Bible that emphasize faith alone for salvation. This can seem inconsistent because it raises questions about the balance between faith and actions in a person's spiritual journey.

Paradox #4

The contradiction in Philippians 2:12 might be seen in how it emphasizes "working out your salvation" which could imply that actions and effort are required for salvation. This could conflict with the idea in other biblical teachings that salvation is a gift from God and based on faith rather than works. It's about the tension between faith and works in Christian teachings.

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