Contradiction with Exodus 20:3
This verse emphasizes that there should be no other gods before the Lord, contradicting the worship of the beast in Revelation 13:12.
Exodus 20:3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Contradiction with Isaiah 45:5
States that there is no God besides the Lord, conflicting with the reverence given to the beast mentioned in Revelation 13:12.
Isaiah 45:5: I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
Contradiction with Matthew 4:10
Jesus commands to worship the Lord alone, contradicting the worship of the dragon and the beast described in Revelation 13:12.
Matthew 4:10: Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
This verse commands not to follow other gods, opposing the concept of worshiping the beast from the sea in Revelation 13:12.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Jeremiah 2:11
Highlights the folly of exchanging their glory for what does not profit, contrasting with the adoration of the beast.
Jeremiah 2:11: Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.
Paradox #1
The possible contradiction in Revelation 13:12 could relate to the idea of worship and authority. Throughout the Bible, worship is meant to be directed to God alone, but this verse discusses giving authority and worship to other figures, which could conflict with core teachings about worship and allegiance to God.
Paradox #2
Revelation 13:12 refers to a beast that exercises power and influence on behalf of another beast. A possible contradiction or inconsistency is the interpretation of these symbolic beasts and their identities. Over time, people have associated these symbols with different historical figures or institutions, such as Roman emperors, the Papacy, or other political entities, leading to conflicting interpretations and predictions about end times. The lack of clear historical alignment creates challenges in consistently identifying what these symbols represent.
Paradox #3
Revelation 13:12 could be seen as morally contradictory because it describes one entity leading others to worship a different entity. This could be inconsistent with the idea of worshiping only one true deity, which is emphasized in other parts of the Bible.