Contradiction with Ezekiel 18:32
This verse expresses that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, suggesting a universal desire for repentance and life, contrasting with the idea in Romans 9:23 of select vessels of mercy for glory.
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 2 Peter 3:9
This verse states that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance, contradicting the notion of predestination and specific vessels being prepared for glory in Romans 9:23.
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 1 Timothy 2:4
This verse mentions God’s desire for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, conflicting with the idea of certain individuals being prepared beforehand for glory in Romans 9:23.
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 emphasizes God's love for the world and the offer of salvation to whosoever believes, which seems to oppose the selective nature described in Romans 9:23.
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 1 John 2:2
This verse states that Christ is the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, not just for a predetermined group, which contradicts the selectivity of Romans 9:23.
1 John 2:2: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.
Paradox #1
Some people see a conflict between the idea of God showing mercy selectively, as suggested in that verse, and the idea of God being all-loving and just. It can be hard for some to understand how a loving God would choose to show mercy to some but not others. This might seem inconsistent with the belief that God is equally fair and loving to everyone.
Paradox #2
One possible doctrinal issue with this verse is the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will. Some people see a contradiction because it suggests that God decides beforehand who will receive mercy and who will not, which seems to clash with the idea that individuals have the freedom to choose their own path and seek salvation. This raises questions about fairness and predestination.
Paradox #3
Romans 9:23 might present a moral conflict or inconsistency regarding the idea of divine favoritism or partiality. It could challenge the belief that all individuals are treated equally and fairly by God. Some might see a contradiction in the concept of God showing mercy to some while seemingly not to others, raising questions about justice and equality.