Contradiction with Matthew 22:37
Romans 8:7 claims that the carnal mind is hostile to God, but Matthew 22:37 commands loving God with all our heart and mind.
Matthew 22:37: This is the first and great commandment.
Contradiction with Jeremiah 31:33
Romans 8:7 states the carnal mind cannot subject to God's law, whereas Jeremiah 31:33 indicates God's law will be written on hearts, implying obedience is possible.
Jeremiah 31:33: But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 36:26-27
Romans 8:7 suggests a carnal mind cannot follow God's statutes, while Ezekiel 36:26-27 promises a new heart and spirit enabling obedience.
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.
Contradiction with 2 Timothy 1:7
Romans 8:7 highlights a hostile mindset, whereas 2 Timothy 1:7 discusses God giving us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, implying a changed disposition.
2 Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Contradiction with Psalm 51:10
Romans 8:7 emphasizes enmity with God, while Psalm 51:10 requests a clean heart and steadfast spirit, implying transformation is possible.
Psalm 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. [right: or, constant]
Contradiction with 1 John 4:4
Romans 8:7 notes a hostile mind toward God, yet 1 John 4:4 states that the believer has overcome such hostility through God's spirit.
1 John 4:4: Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Contradiction with Galatians 5:16-17
Romans 8:7 speaks of opposition to God’s law due to the fleshly mind, but Galatians 5:16-17 advises walking in the Spirit to overcome fleshly desires.
Galatians 5:16-17: [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [ye...: or, fulfil not]
Contradiction with Philippians 4:8
Romans 8:7 points to a mind in opposition to God, while Philippians 4:8 encourages focusing on virtuous and praiseworthy things, suggesting mental transformation.
Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. [honest: or, venerable]
Contradiction with James 4:7
Romans 8:7 describes enmity against God, whereas James 4:7 advises submitting to God, suggesting the mind can indeed align with God’s will.
James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Paradox #1
This verse highlights the conflict between human nature and following God's law. Some people might see a contradiction because Christians are also taught that God's grace can change hearts and minds. So, if we're naturally opposed to God, how does change happen? Others might wonder how free will works if our nature is against God. This can seem inconsistent because Christian teachings also emphasize choice and responsibility.
Paradox #2
The contradiction or conflict in this verse could be seen in the idea that human nature is inherently opposed to God's laws. This suggests an inconsistency between being created in God's image and simultaneously being naturally inclined to oppose Him. It raises questions about free will and personal responsibility if we are naturally predisposed to conflict with God's will.