The Bible contains many apparent paradoxes that challenge our understanding and force us to think more deeply. Here are some key examples of paradox found in the biblical texts:
God is Three Yet One
The doctrine of the Trinity states that God exists as three co-equal, co-eternal persons – God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit – yet there is only one God. This paradox of multiple “persons” in one divine nature is hard for human minds to fully comprehend (Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19).
Jesus was Fully God and Fully Man
In the incarnation, Jesus was not part God and part man. He was completely divine and completely human at the same time. Jesus had two natures in one person, without confusion, without change, and without division. This paradox is known as the hypostatic union (John 1:1, 14; Philippians 2:5-8).
Saved by Faith Yet Judged by Works
We are saved by grace through faith alone, not by our own good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, our works reveal whether our faith is genuine, and we will be judged accordingly (James 2:14-26; Matthew 25:31-46). There is tension between salvation as a free gift yet requiring good works.
God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
God is completely sovereign over all things, yet humans are morally responsible for their choices and actions. This paradox recognizes God’s supreme authority while preserving human freedom and accountability (Proverbs 16:9; Joshua 24:15; Acts 2:23).
Already but Not Yet
In Christ, the kingdom of God has already arrived, yet its full consummation is not yet complete. Christians live in the overlap of the “already” and the “not yet” until Christ returns (Luke 17:21; Revelation 21:1-8).
Simultaneous Justice and Mercy
At the cross, God’s perfect justice in judging sin and His perfect mercy in forgiving sinners met simultaneously. God extended mercy yet without compromising justice (Psalm 85:10; Romans 3:25-26).
Strength in Weakness
When we recognize our weakness and depend on God, we are strong. God’s power reaches perfection in our frailty (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Strength emerges when we admit our limitations.
Wisdom through Foolishness
The wisdom of God seems like foolishness to the world. But God reveals His wisdom in ways that seem foolish to human standards (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). Divine wisdom upends worldly wisdom.
Life through Death
Jesus spoke of a seed dying to produce many new seeds (John 12:24). In a similar way, physical death leads to eternal spiritual life through the resurrection. New life springs from death (1 Corinthians 15:36-38).
First Shall Be Last
Jesus taught that many of those considered first in this life will be last in God’s kingdom, while the lowly in this world will be first in eternity. Expectations are reversed (Matthew 19:30; 20:16).
These paradoxes force us to reconsider simplistic either-or thinking. Rather than resolving the tension between two poles, biblical paradoxes encourage both-and thinking. They provoke deeper reflection on the mysteries of God’s truth and character as revealed in Scripture.
Promises and Warnings
The Bible contains promises of blessing for the faithful and dire warnings of judgment on the unrepentant. How do we reconcile a loving God with fearsome warnings? (Deuteronomy 28; Hebrews 10:26-31). This paradox prompts more nuanced understanding of God’s mercy and justice.
Predestination and Free Will
God is completely sovereign and knows all things beforehand, yet humans have a free will and make real choices. How predestination and human freedom work together is much debated (Ephesians 1:4-5; Genesis 2:16-17).
Judgment for Sin and Forgiveness of Sin
All sin leads to spiritual death and judgment, yet in Christ there is forgiveness of sins. There is tension between consequences for sin and the offer of redemption (Romans 6:23; 1 John 1:9).
Old Testament Law and New Testament Grace
The Old Testament law condemned sin and pronounced judgment, yet the New Testament offers grace and forgiveness in Christ. There is continuity yet contrast between law and gospel (Romans 3:20; John 1:17).
God’s Transcendence and Immanence
God is far above His creation, yet intimately involved with it. He is both transcendent and immanent. This paradox embraces God’s otherness and nearness (Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 139:7-10).
Chosen People Yet Open Offer
Though Israel was God’s chosen people, His love and salvation are offered to all. Tension exists between particularity (Israel) and universality (the world) in redemption (Amos 3:2; Acts 10:34-35).
These examples provide a sampling of key paradoxes in Scripture. They provoke deeper reflection on the nature of God, the truths of the Bible, and the mysteries of how an infinite God relates to finite humans. Paradoxes encourage humility in how we approach revealed truth.
Victory Through Failure and Suffering
God’s power is made perfect in human weakness. Victory comes through suffering, loss, and failure. The cross demonstrates this profound spiritual truth (2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Romans 8:17).
Leadership Through Servanthood
True spiritual leadership emulates the servant leadership of Jesus. The first shall be last and the last shall be first. Serving others demonstrates greatness in God’s kingdom (Mark 10:42-45; Matthew 20:26-28).
Blessing Through Persecution
Jesus taught that those persecuted for righteousness receive spiritual blessing and reward. Suffering for Christ transforms life’s priorities (Matthew 5:10; Romans 8:17; Philippians 1:29).
Dying to Live
A Christian dies to self and is crucified with Christ in order to truly live. Death to sin allows new life in Christ (Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:11).
These additional paradoxes enrich our understanding of discipleship. Following Jesus inverts worldly perspectives on success, power, blessing, and purpose.
Human Limitations, Divine Strength
When humans recognize their limitations and weaknesses, they become open to experiencing God’s strength and sufficiency. Weakness highlights dependence on God (2 Corinthians 12:10; Isaiah 40:29-31).
Hidden to be Revealed
God’s kingdom advances secretly and unseen before its visible manifestation. Divine truth remains veiled before its full revelation (Mark 4:21-23; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9).
Natural Versus Spiritual Perception
Those with only natural perception cannot understand spiritual truth. The Spirit enlightens minds formerly trapped in darkness (1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6).
Present But Unseen Realm
Scripture speaks of an unseen heavenly realm that currently exists alongside the visible world. Perceived reality does not depict ultimate reality (Colossians 1:16; 2 Corinthians 4:18).
Examining biblical paradoxes expands perspective, revealing deeper dimensions of truth. It engenders intellectual humility appropriate for finite humans approaching an infinite God and His Word.
