Definition of Paradox: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.
Transcendent and Intimate:
God is always experienced as abiding in their own soul and, in seeming contradiction, as totally transcendent and mysterious at the same time! God is both intimate and ultimate, no longer “out there,” though not just “in here,” either. The gap is overcome once we realize that it is a totally free gift from God. (Rohr)
Power thru Powerlessness or Strength thru Weakness:
It wasn’t until I admitted complete defeat, admitted I was powerless, and realized “of myself, I could do nothing,” that I was able to tap into the power that had been available to me all along. Powerlessness is powerful. It is an important and necessary starting point on our spiritual journey. Powerlessness opens a way for us to connect to the real power —the one power—God. Through our committed spiritual practice of prayer, meditation and forgiveness, we take God out of the sky, out of the churches and books, and put God within our own hearts—where It actually is. From this conscious union, we are restored to wholeness and can reclaim authority and dominion in our lives. (unity.org)
Many Who are First will be Last and Many who are Last will be First:
Those who are esteemed and respected in this world (like the rich young ruler) may be frowned upon by God. The opposite is also true: those who are despised and rejected in this world, even sinners, may, in fact if and when they steadfastly come to Christ as ones saviour, will be rewarded by God. (linkedin.com)
The Cross was Most Tragic, Yet Most Wonderful:
The cross of Christ is the greatest of all paradoxes. It was the most tragic event in the history of the world, yet the most wonderful thing that ever happened. It was the saddest spectacle man ever beheld, yet it was the most stunning defeat Satan ever suffered and the most glorious victory Christ ever won. He won by losing. He conquered by surrendering.
The cross was the greatest exhibition of divine justice in condemning sin, yet the most wonderful demonstration of divine mercy in pardoning sin. It was God’s greatest manifestation of hatred for sin, yet His supreme proof of love for the sinner.
The cross was the darkest hour in history, yet it was the time of greatest light. Though the sun refused to shine, and God hid his face from Christ, the cross was the means by which Christ became “the light of the world” (John 8:12). In the cross, we see man’s hatred for Christ, yet we see Christ’s love for man. There we see human vengeance as the crowds cried for His blood, yet we see divine forgiveness as Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
The cross portrays man’s sinfulness and God’s holiness; human weakness and divine strength. It demonstrates man’s inability to save himself, and God’s ability and power to do this for him. The cross, from the human standpoint, is foolishness; yet it is a revelation of the highest wisdom of God. (housetohouse.com)