Does the bible contradict itself?

Question

Here are two parts of the bible which contridict each other:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).


Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." -- Romans 13:1-2

Why the contridiction? I find it so hard to keep my faith when I find these obvious contridictions. Someone please help.

Answer 1

Of course it does

http://www.evilbible.com

Answer 2

(Ephesians 6:12) With these words Paul showed not only that he was aware of the spiritual darkness enveloping the world but also that he knew the true source—powerful demonic forces described as “world rulers.”

(Romans 13:1-2) In the same way the subjection that Christians must render to the “superior authorities” of this old world is merely relative, for it does not leave God and conscience out of consideration.

Satan has been granted an allowance of invisible authority over this old world; otherwise, he could not have offered worldwide authority to Jesus when he tried to tempt Jesus into sin. Of course, all this has been only by God’s permission, and it has resulted in the political governments and rulerships that exist today.
When Christians subject themselves to existing visible, earthly, human governments or “superior authorities,” they are not subjecting themselves to Satan the Devil, the Dragon. They are obeying God’s command.

See, No contradictions.

Answer 3

Ephesians is talking about spiritual forces. While Romans is speaking about caesers, kings, and queens. Ephesians is speaking of the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world. it's just worded weird. There is no contradiction to this. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 agrees with ephisians. Read it and it might make more sense.

Answer 4

bible language can be hard but don't let it frustrate you its a life long journey. see there it says governing authorities in Romans eg. God Jesus the Church so on. Paul is talking about spiritual forces out side of God in the end of Eph. I find if you remember three things while reading it will help who, what, when. Who is the author talking to what is the topic about when is it referring to and when was it said you things like that. If you take single verses at a time things can seem like a contradiction but remember that's a single verse. would you understand a book if you red one page?

Answer 5

Sorry Chief but the Bible was written by men so it's not surprising it contradicts itself.

If you studied the history of the writing of the Bible as much as the contents you'd know that.

The 'Bible' has been edited on numerous occasions and what we have today is only the authorised books (Canon). But the decision as to which books were to be included (and which were not) was made by men.

I'm not sure if that helps your faith or not though. I think it depends upon how much you think about it really.

Perhaps (to paraphrase one of your earlier answers) you should stop worrying if your religion is the right one and just follow the principles!

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Answer 6

This is not any contradiction.

Eph 6:12
Our real battle is not with human cultist, false religionists, atheists, agnostics, and pseudo-Christians, but with the demonic beings working through them, of which even the flesh and blood opponents themselves are sometimes unaware.

Rom 13:1-2
God, the supreme Sovereign, has ordained that there should be governing authorities. Every believer is to be subject to these various authorities, even if these authorities are evil.

Ask Holy Spirit to guide you, that will help you to get your faith stronger. : )

Answer 7

There is no contradiction in scripture...God is Absolute, and His Word is also Absolute. But our understanding of Scripture is not perfect, so we have to reserve judgment. Even if you do not understand, still you should accept, if you have a spiritual master who can explain things to you; did not Jesus say, "I have more things to say to you, but you are not ready to hear them now"?

The authorities in the first passage means the scribes and pharisees, i.e., the false leaders of this world, the politicians and so-called educators who are the "powers of this dark world" The authorities in the second passage are the ones in knowledge who can show you the truth and open your eyes to God; the trick is finding out who is telling the Truth! If you are sincere, you will find a sincere teacher and authority. Watch out! there are many wolves in sheep's clothing!

Answer 8

I did drugs at onetime, and I can understand why you could misunderstand the Bible with a mind full of drugs. I read some of your other questions and looks like you don't live a Christian life. The Bible talks a lot about being blind, and unsaved people not being able to understand the Bible. Did you know that Satan can screw with your mind so you question the word of God? One verse found in the book of 2 Corinthians 4:3 reads,"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them".

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Until you make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior, many verses will not make much sense to you. Pray and invite Jesus Christ into your heart, and your mind eyes will be opened.

Once you become a Christian your relationship with God will become more fulfilling than smoking Pot, take care and I hope you will consider what I have sheared with you.

Answer 9

We are to obey the authorities up to a point whee it goes against God's laws. An example is in Acts where the apostles were told to stop preaching in Jesus name. They said they would not because God wanted them to do it.
Also the apostles said that they were as ambassadors on the earth. An ambassador obeys the laws of another country to a certain extent

Answer 10

You don't understand because your mind is not attuned to the bible.

Many people have this problem, you're not the only one.

The rules and authorities in the book of Ephesians refers to the religious/spiritual aspects, where those in the book of Romans refers to their secular authorities.

Answer 11

The Ephesians 6 passage refers to the spiritual evils we fight against.

The Romans passage refers to the civil governent ordained by God.