Contradiction with James 2:24
This verse states, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only," which contradicts the idea that works do not contribute to salvation as outlined in Titus 3:5.
James 2:24: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Contradiction with Romans 2:6-7
These verses explain that God "will render to every man according to his deeds," suggesting that actions do play a role in receiving eternal life, contrasting with the notion of salvation not resulting from deeds in Titus 3:5.
Romans 2:6-7: Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Contradiction with Matthew 7:21
Here, it is emphasized that "not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father," implying that actions (or works) are necessary for entrance into the kingdom, in contradiction to Titus 3:5.
Matthew 7:21: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Contradiction with Philippians 2:12
This verse encourages believers to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," suggesting an active role in the salvation process, which contrasts the passive reception expressed in Titus 3:5.
Philippians 2:12: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Contradiction with Revelation 20:12
Here it states, "the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works," implying judgment (and implicitly salvation) based on works, contradicting the mercy-focused salvation in Titus 3:5.
Revelation 20:12: And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Paradox #1
Titus 3:5 centers on the idea of salvation not being earned by deeds but given through mercy. Some may see a contradiction with other parts of the Bible that emphasize the importance of actions and following commandments, suggesting a tension between faith and deeds. However, many theologians interpret these passages as complementary, where true faith naturally results in good actions.
Paradox #2
Titus 3:5 might seem to contradict the idea of earning salvation through good deeds, as it emphasizes salvation through God's mercy instead of human actions. Some may see this as conflicting with other biblical passages that highlight the importance of good works. However, these can be reconciled by understanding that good works are a result of faith and salvation, not the means to earn it.
Paradox #3
Titus 3:5 could raise questions about the balance between good deeds and salvation. Some people might see a contradiction in this verse because it emphasizes that salvation is not based on good deeds but on mercy, which might seem inconsistent with other passages in the Bible that stress the importance of righteous actions. This could lead to confusion about how faith and works interact in achieving salvation.
Paradox #4
Titus 3:5 talks about being saved through mercy and not through our own righteous actions. A potential contradiction might be that it seems to downplay the importance of doing good deeds, suggesting that they don't contribute to salvation. This could conflict with parts of the Bible that emphasize the importance of good works as a reflection of faith.