Contradiction with 1 John 3:9
This verse states that whoever is born of God does not commit sin, contradicting Romans 7:17 by suggesting that a sinless state is possible.
1 John 3:9: Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. [is born: or, has been born]
Contradiction with 1 Peter 1:16
This verse commands, "Be ye holy; for I am holy," implying that holiness and absence of sin are expected, contradicting the notion of sin dwelling in a person as suggested in Romans 7:17.
1 Peter 1:16: Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:17
This verse says that anyone in Christ is a new creature and old things have passed away, which opposes the idea of ongoing sin dwelling in believers as mentioned in Romans 7:17.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [he is: or, let him be]
Contradiction with Matthew 5:48
This verse commands, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," contradicting Romans 7:17 by suggesting an attainable state of perfection contrary to the ongoing struggle with sin.
Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 36:26-27
These verses promise a new heart and spirit that causes one to follow God's statutes, implying an eradication of sinful nature, contrasting with sin dwelling within as described in Romans 7:17.
Ezekiel 36:26-27: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
Paradox #1
Romans 7:17 describes a struggle within a person between their desire to do good and the influence of sin. A potential contradiction could be the tension between human free will and the concept of sin having control. If humans are believed to have free will, it might seem inconsistent to suggest that sin can operate independently within a person, causing them to act contrary to their intentions. This could raise questions about accountability and the nature of personal responsibility in light of sin's influence.
Paradox #2
Romans 7:17 presents a moral conflict between a person's intention to do good and their actions, which may not align due to an internal struggle with sin. This inner conflict can be seen as inconsistent because it highlights a gap between wanting to do the right thing and actually doing it.