Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
This verse emphasizes God's overarching desire for everyone to come to repentance, contrasting with the idea in Romans 9:15 of God choosing to have mercy on specific individuals.
2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
This verse states that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone and calls for repentance, which seems to counter the concept in Romans 9:15 of selective mercy.
Ezekiel 18:32: For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn {yourselves}, and live ye. {yourselves: or, others}
Contradiction with 1 Timothy 2:4
This verse indicates that God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, contradicting the particularity implied in Romans 9:15.
1 Timothy 2:4: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Contradiction with John 3:16
This verse declares God's love for the world and offers eternal life to whoever believes, suggesting a more universal offer of mercy compared to Romans 9:15.
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Contradiction with James 2:13
This verse speaks about mercy triumphing over judgment, which might contrast with the selective mercy shown in Romans 9:15.
James 2:13: For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. {rejoiceth: or, glorieth}
Paradox #1
Romans 9:15 might raise questions about God's justice and fairness. The verse talks about God choosing to show mercy to some people and not to others, which could seem inconsistent with the idea that God is fair and loves everyone equally. This tension often leads to debates about free will and predestination.
Paradox #2
The potential contradiction with the verse in Romans 9:15 can arise in the context of discussions about divine justice and free will. The verse highlights God's sovereign choice in showing mercy or hardening hearts, which can seem to contradict the idea of humans having free will or God being just and fair in all his actions. This creates a tension between understanding God's sovereignty and human responsibility.
Paradox #3
The contradiction or inconsistency with this verse might relate to the broader biblical discussions about free will and predestination. Some people see a conflict between the idea that God shows mercy to whomever He chooses and the idea that humans have the free will to choose their paths. This can lead to debates about whether people can influence their fate or if it's all predetermined by God's choice.
Paradox #4
Some people might find a contradiction in the idea of fairness. The verse emphasizes God's choice and mercy, which could be seen as inconsistent with the idea of equal treatment. If God chooses to show mercy to some and not others, it might appear unfair or unjust to human thinking about fairness and equality.