THE “CONTRADICTIONS” OF SCRIPTURE: WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT THEM?

A good systematic theologian attempts to understand all of the verses of the Bible in a harmonious way. Why? Well, we cannot stand on the faith or be confident of it if it seems to be saying contradictory things. Besides, our Lord wants us to be able to make a defense for our faith (1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3). Therefore, we have to resolve the apparent contradictions.

However, Scripture also warns us that we only partially see and understand (1 Corinthians 13:9). This requires us to believe what Scripture teaches even if we cannot fully grasp it with our minds. The doctrine of the Trinity comes to mind before all else. While the Scriptures teach that God is One (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6), it also teaches that God is three distinct Persons. Do we completely understand this? I don’t think so.

Here is another puzzling doctrine – God controls our lives (Ephesians 2:10) and yet, we are responsible. Let me give you an example. On the one hand, it is God who saves us. Consequently, salvation is a free gift from God:

·       Of his OWN WILL HE brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (James 1:18 ESV; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:27-28)

James claims that salvation doesn’t depend on our will but on God’s. However, James also says that we have to receive the implanted Word:

·       Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)

Doesn’t this mean that our response is also necessary in order to be saved? If so, how can salvation be a free gift? How then can we reconcile these two verses? (Evidently, James saw no contradiction in what he had just written.)

Clearly, salvation is God’s work alone (monergism). However, after we are saved, God invites us into the working out of our salvation (synergism):

·       …work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)

It seems that even our work is primarily God’s work. Therefore, we cannot even boast about our strenuous efforts, as Paul had indicated:

·       But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Even though we are required to work in conjunction with God, He gets all the credit. Do you understand this completely? I don’t, but I accept the fact that God’s ways and thoughts are far above my own.