Contradiction with Genesis 1:26
Describes man as having dominion over creatures, contrasting with Revelation 4:7 where creatures symbolize heavenly beings.
Genesis 1:26: And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Contradiction with Romans 1:23
Warns against changing the glory of the uncorruptible God into images resembling creatures, which contrasts with the depiction in Revelation 4:7.
Romans 1:23: And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Contradiction with Isaiah 40:18
Questions to whom God can be likened, contrasting with the symbolic representation of creatures around the throne of God in Revelation 4:7.
Isaiah 40:18: To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 4:15-18
Warns against making any graven image of created beings, which could be seen as contrasting the presence of creature-like beings in heavenly imagery.
Deuteronomy 4:15-18: Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day [that] the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:
Paradox #1
Revelation 4:7 describes four living creatures, each with a different appearance: one like a lion, one like a calf (or ox), one like a man, and one like an eagle. The potential historical inconsistency may arise from different interpretations or symbolic meanings assigned to these creatures over time. Early Christian writers often related them to the four Gospels, while Jewish traditions might have different symbolic meanings. This can lead to varied understandings and conflicts about their significance.