Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
Revelation 20:9 depicts destruction by fire from heaven, while Matthew 5:44 teaches to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, contrasting the immediate divine retribution with mercy and forgiveness.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Revelation 20:9 shows God's direct vengeance by fire, whereas Romans 12:19 advises leaving vengeance to God without specifying immediate destruction.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
Revelation 20:9 involves quick judgment, while 2 Peter 3:9 highlights God's patience, not wishing for anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance, suggesting God's preference for redemption over destruction.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 33:11
Revelation 20:9 describes destruction, but Ezekiel 33:11 expresses God's desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live, emphasizing repentance over punishment.
Ezekiel 33:11: Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Contradiction with James 2:13
Revelation 20:9 is about judgment without mercy, whereas James 2:13 stresses that mercy triumphs over judgment, promoting kindness over immediate justice.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. [rejoiceth: or, glorieth]
Paradox #1
The contradiction or conflict in Revelation 20:9 could be the depiction of divine retribution where God destroys those who oppose Him. Some people may struggle with the concept of a loving and merciful God allowing or causing widespread destruction, as this can appear inconsistent with other teachings on forgiveness and mercy in the Bible.