The Christian Bible contains contradictions.

It is my opponents position that both Ecclessiastes 1:4 "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. " and Deuteronomy 4:40 - "That thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for ever. " are not contradictory as the book of Revelation states that the earth will be replaced with a new earth and new heaven as stated in Revelation 21:1 "1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. However, Ecclessiastes 1:4 clearly states "the earth abideth. " If something remains; to be a part not destroyed, taken or used up [1] by definition it cannot become new; having recently come into existence. [2] Remain - to be a part not destroyed, taken, or used up [2] Ecclessiastes 1:4 therefore states that "One generation passes away and another generation comes, but the earth will not be destroyed, taken or used up and will remain. Deuteronomy 4:40 - "That thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for ever. Forever; at all times : CONTINUALLY [3] Deuteronomy therefore states "That thou mayest prolong days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee continuously, for all times. Looking at both Ecclessiastes 1:4 and Deuteronomy 4:40 it is clear that the earth will not be destroyed, taken or used up and God gave that earth is to remain continuously forever. Additionally, let's take a closer look at the word "the. " The - "used as a function word before a proper name to indicate the distinctive characteristics of a person or thing [4] The is used before earth as in "the earth" to show distinctive characteristics. Both Deuteronomy 4:40 and Ecclessiastes 1:4 are referring the "the earth;" not an earth. If the term "an earth" were used one could argue that both scriptures are referring to something called earth. However as this is not the case it is clear that both are referring to the Earth that is in existence. Comparing the above to Revelation 21:1 "1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. one can see a clear contradiction. If something has recently come into existence it cannot have remained; to be a part not destroyed or taken up. Something cannot come into existence if something has previously existed. For example, when a house is built it did not exist prior to being built as the building process is what allows the house to exist. When a child is born it comes into existence as the child did not exist prior to entering the world. "The Earth" and a "New Earth" are clearly different things. And there you have it. The earth passes, yet remains. No contradiction. There is indeed a contradiction. Something cannot die while not being destroyed, taken or used up while recently having come into existence. In conclusion, it is apparent that "the earth" and "a new earth" are different things as the words "the earth" are used to show uniqueness. While Ecclessiastes and Deuteronomy 4:40 speak of "the earth" not being destroyed, used up or taken and will exist continouslly, Revelation has "the earth" being replaced with a "new earth. " As such, contradictions exist. I now pass this debate to my opponent. Sources [1] . http://www.merriam-webster.com... [2] . http://www.merriam-webster.com... [3] . http://www.merriam-webster.com... [4] . http://www.merriam-webster.com...