2 Peter 3:16 [Paul] writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
As we study the Bible many questions come to mind. A careful reading of Scripture sometimes causes us to think that there are contradictions between authors or verses. Think about these questions.
Is it Faith or Works that saves us?
Yes. Paul says that we are saved by faith alone in Ephesians 2:8-9. James says of saving faith that it is not without good works. Our faith is an active response to the needs of others, James 2:17-18.
Is God a God of Revelation or of Mystery?
Yes. In Colossians 1:26:27 we read that Paul’s ministry to us is to present “the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them [the saints, us] God has chosen to make known…the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Should I fall headlong into grace or work out my salvation with fear and trembling?
Yes. Paul asks “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin.” (Romans 6:1-2) Yet being dead to sin, Paul says we are to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” in Philippians 2:12.
Rest assured that there are no contradictions in Scripture. What may seem to be the case is often times the author’s answer to a specific question or issue from a different perspective.
