Contradiction with 2 Peter 3:9
This verse emphasizes God's patience and desire for everyone to come to repentance, suggesting universal opportunity rather than selective mercy.
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 James 1:13
States that God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts any man, implying that God does not instigate or harden hearts towards evil.
James 1:13: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [evil: or, evils]
Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
Expresses that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, advocating for the turning and living, which contrasts with the idea of Him hardening whom He wills.
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
Declares God's desire for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, contrasting with selective mercy and hardening.
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
Proclaims that God loves the world and offers salvation to whoever believes, implying inclusiveness rather than selective mercy.
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 Deuteronomy 30:19
Calls people to choose life, suggesting the freedom to choose rather than being hardened by divine will.
Deuteronomy 30:19: I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Contradiction with Matthew 23:37
Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing a desire to gather His people, which contrasts with allowing some to be hardened.
Matthew 23:37: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!
Paradox #1
Romans 9:18 can raise a theological conflict about free will and God's sovereignty. Some people might see a contradiction because the verse suggests God has the ultimate control over who receives mercy, which might seem to oppose the belief that humans have the free will to choose their own destiny. This can cause debates about how much control God has versus human choice.
Paradox #2
Romans 9:18 might seem to conflict with the idea of free will. The verse implies that God decides whom to show mercy and whom to harden, suggesting that human choice may not play a role. This could appear inconsistent with other Bible teachings that emphasize personal responsibility and the ability to choose faith.
Paradox #3
Romans 9:18 deals with themes of divine mercy and hardening of hearts, which has sparked debates about free will versus predestination. Some argue that it contradicts the idea of humans having complete free will because it suggests God decides to show mercy or harden hearts according to His purpose. This raises questions about the justice and fairness of divine decisions and how they align with the notion of human responsibility.
Paradox #4
Some people might see a conflict between this verse and the idea of free will. The verse suggests that God decides who receives mercy and who is hardened, which could be seen as contradicting the idea that humans have the freedom to choose their actions and beliefs independently. This perspective might conflict with some scientific views on free will and human decision-making.
Paradox #5
Romans 9:18 discusses the idea that God chooses whom to show mercy and whom to harden. The moral conflict here is about the fairness of divine choice: it raises questions about free will and whether it's just for some people to be favored or disadvantaged by a higher power without their input. This can seem inconsistent with the idea of a just and loving God who treats everyone equally.