The Biblical Contradiction

By H. Eade

Is there a contradiction in the Bible?  Yes, according to Hebrews chapter 12 verse 3 (in the King James Bible).  Rather than it being a contradiction that would lead to doubt about the Bible's authority however, this is a mystery that can be apprehended by faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. Eade
• Release date: Feb 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393934714

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Introduction

A definition of the word contradiction is:

A state of opposition in things compared; variance (logical) inconsistency.

(The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles, 1973)

A contradiction is referred to in the Bible.  This is found in Hebrews 12:3.  The verse in its context is found below.  Prior to this passage, in chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews, the writer had referred to individuals from the Old Testament who had faith.  Chapter 12 begins:

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  Hebrews 12:1-4

Verse 3 refers to the contradiction Jesus Christ endured when he died on the cross.  The Bible shows that at that moment, Christ was made to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him   (2 Corinthians 5:21).  This is the Biblical contradiction: the contradiction of what God did to bring about the possibility of any person becoming reconciled to him.

It is sometimes contended that there are contradictions, in the sense of errors, in the Bible.  I have found that these can be explained by further study and comparison of passages in the Bible.  A fuller explanation