Contradiction with Romans 2:12-13
These verses emphasize that the law applies to all and judgment is based on the law, contrasting the notion that Gentiles, who do not have the law, can act according to it naturally.
Romans 2:12-13: For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Contradiction with Romans 3:20
States that by the deeds of the law, no flesh will be justified, implying that natural observance of the law doesn't justify people.
Romans 3:20: Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
Contradiction with Romans 7:7
Suggests that the law is necessary for the knowledge of sin, contradicting the idea that one can act lawfully without knowing the law.
Romans 7:7: What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. [lust: or, concupiscence]
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 9:21
Implies that being without the law (like Gentiles) requires adherence to Christ's law, suggesting a contradiction with natural law observance.
1 Corinthians 9:21: To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
Contradiction with Galatians 3:11
Emphasizes that no one is justified by the law in God's sight, contrasting with the idea of natural law alignment justifying behavior.
Galatians 3:11: But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:4
Indicates that seeking justification by the law leads to falling away from grace, contrasting the natural lawful behavior mentioned in Romans 2:14.
Galatians 5:4: Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Contradiction with Ephesians 2:12
Describes Gentiles as being without the law's covenants, contrasting the assertion that they can by nature follow what the law requires.
Ephesians 2:12: That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Contradiction with Philippians 3:9
Highlights righteousness that comes through faith, not the law, as opposed to following the law by nature.
Philippians 3:9: And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Contradiction with James 2:10
States whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at one point is guilty of all, contradicting the idea of naturally fulfilling the law's intent.
James 2:10: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.
Paradox #1
Romans 2:14 might seem inconsistent because it suggests that people who don't know the Jewish law can still act according to its principles naturally. This could conflict with the idea that knowing and following the law is necessary for righteousness, raising questions about the necessity of the law for salvation.
Paradox #2
One potential contradiction in Romans 2:14 could be the idea that people who do not follow religious law may naturally follow moral principles. This might conflict with the belief that only those who are aware of and practice religious teachings can truly be moral. It raises questions about whether morality is inherent or requires guidance from religious laws.