Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:20
This verse suggests that individuals are accountable only for their own sins, whereas Romans 7:9 implies a hereditary aspect of sin from the law.
Ezekiel 18:20: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Contradiction with James 1:15
This verse states that sin leads to death, contradicting Romans 7:9 which suggests that sin comes from the commandment, not leading to death.
James 1:15: Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Contradiction with 1 John 3:9
This verse indicates that those born of God do not sin, which contrasts with Romans 7:9's implication that awareness of the law brings sin.
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 Jeremiah 31:30
This verse asserts personal accountability for sin, which differs from Romans 7:9 indicating that sin revives through the commandment.
Jeremiah 31:30: But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.
Contradiction with Matthew 19:14
This verse suggests children are pure and sinless, contrasting with Romans 7:9 where the law's arrival revives sin leading to death.
Matthew 19:14: But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 7:29
This verse claims that humans were made upright, which contradicts Romans 7:9's implication that commandment brings sin and death.
Ecclesiastes 7:29: Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Paradox #1
Romans 7:9 might seem to contain a contradiction because it suggests that a person was once "alive" without the law, but when the commandment came, sin became alive and the person "died." The potential inconsistency arises in understanding how someone could be spiritually alive without knowing the law since other parts of the Bible emphasize the inherent sinful nature of humanity. This can be puzzling when reconciling with the belief that law and awareness of sin are intertwined. However, many interpretations resolve this by considering the passage as an allegorical or personal reflection on the awareness of sin rather than a literal state of spiritual life without the law.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction in Romans 7:9 might be the idea that a person can be spiritually alive without knowing the law, but "dies" upon becoming aware of it. This might seem inconsistent because it suggests that lack of knowledge can keep someone spiritually safe, while awareness and understanding lead to spiritual death. This could conflict with the broader moral teaching that knowledge and awareness are valuable and should lead to growth and improvement, not destruction.