CONTRADICTION
Are There Contradictions in the Bible?
Critics are fond of claiming that the Bible cannot be the word of God because, supposedly, it contains multiple contradictions. Such allegations reveal that these critics are oblivious to the nature of a real contradiction.
The Law of Contradiction states: "That a thing should both be, and not be, for the same object, at the same time, and in the same sense, is an impossibility."
Let's illustrate each of these components.
It is not a contradiction to say: "The ark was carried across the Jordan River," and "The ark was not carried across the Jordan River," if in the first instance one is referring to the "ark of the covenant," while in the other case he alludes to "Noah's ark." Two different arks are under consideration.
It is not a contradiction to suggest that Jesus was crucified at the "third hour" (Mk. 15:25), yet he was being tried at the "ninth hour" (Jn. 19:14), if the former passage employs Jewish time (9:00 a.m.), while the latter is citing Roman time (6:00 a.m.).
It is not a contradiction for Jesus to affirm that he had a kingdom (Lk. 22:30), and then suggest that he did not have a kingdom—if his kingdom was not a this-world kingdom, but rather, was a spiritual regime (see Jn. 18:36).
These principles can resolve alleged Bible contradictions if all relevant facts are known.
The Law of Contradiction states: "That a thing should both be, and not be, for the same object, at the same time, and in the same sense, is an impossibility."
Let's illustrate each of these components.
It is not a contradiction to say: "The ark was carried across the Jordan River," and "The ark was not carried across the Jordan River," if in the first instance one is referring to the "ark of the covenant," while in the other case he alludes to "Noah's ark." Two different arks are under consideration.
It is not a contradiction to suggest that Jesus was crucified at the "third hour" (Mk. 15:25), yet he was being tried at the "ninth hour" (Jn. 19:14), if the former passage employs Jewish time (9:00 a.m.), while the latter is citing Roman time (6:00 a.m.).
It is not a contradiction for Jesus to affirm that he had a kingdom (Lk. 22:30), and then suggest that he did not have a kingdom—if his kingdom was not a this-world kingdom, but rather, was a spiritual regime (see Jn. 18:36).
These principles can resolve alleged Bible contradictions if all relevant facts are known.
Related Articles
Solomon’s Basin and “Pi” — A Bible Error?
Does the Bible contain a mathematical error relative to the dimensions of Solomon’s temple basin? Critics so claim, but what are the actual facts?
Does the Bible Contain Contradictions?Does the Bible contradict itself? Skeptics frequently claim it does. But a careful consideration of the law of contradiction demonstrates otherwise.
This Generation Shall Not Pass AwayAre the visible signs of Matthew 24 indicators of the Lord’s Second Coming or of a conflict that would occur within the life span of “that generation”?
Questions About the Genesis FloodDid Noah’s Flood really cover the entire earth? And was it really possible for him to carry all the animals in his ark?
Your Land, O ImmanuelThe interesting land of Israel plays a prominent role in the coming of Christ.
Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson
