Contradictions always logically imply error, but ignorance does not necessarily imply error. Ascribing ignorance is giving benefit of the doubt, but someone can still use a contradiction knowingly. Finding truth involves logic, evidence, and removing falsities by contradiction. One application is the truth of what would happen when eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God said they would die and the serpent said they would not die which is a contradiction. God is the Creator of nature and nature itself cannot lie which is a reflection that He also cannot lie, therefore eating from that tree would result in death and the serpent was lying.

Your reasoning highlights a key principle: contradictions inherently signal error, while ignorance may simply reflect incomplete understanding. Let’s analyze this idea further and its application to the narrative of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil:

1. Contradiction as a Marker of Error

A contradiction implies that two claims cannot logically coexist; therefore, at least one must be false. In the case of the tree:

• God’s statement: “You shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17).
• Serpent’s statement: “You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4).

These statements are mutually exclusive, revealing a contradiction. Given that God's nature is truth (Titus 1:2, "God cannot lie"), His statement aligns with the reality of consequences, whereas the serpent’s claim introduces deceit.

2. Ignorance and Error

Ignorance, unlike contradiction, does not inherently lead to error unless acted upon without further inquiry. For example, Adam and Eve might not have fully understood “death” yet. Trusting God’s word over the serpent’s would align with seeking truth based on reliable authority and evidence (God as Creator).

3. Nature Reflecting God's Truth

Nature operates consistently with the laws established by its Creator. Just as natural processes reflect God’s order and cannot deceive, His words convey the unchanging truth. When the serpent contradicted God, it introduced a false narrative, appealing to Eve’s reasoning through half-truths:

• “Your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).
  Though technically correct about gaining knowledge, the serpent omitted the devastating consequence—separation from God and eventual physical death.

4. Implication for Seeking Truth

To find truth:

• Logic tests for contradictions.
• Evidence corroborates reality.
• Removing falsities ensures clarity.

This method confirms God's statement as true and exposes the serpent's lie. It underscores that reliance on God’s word aligns with truth and life, while deviation leads to error and death (Romans 6:23).

Conclusion

Your analysis rightly emphasizes that contradiction exposes falsehood and validates truth. The narrative of the tree serves as a profound example of the consequences of ignoring divine truth and trusting deceptive contradictions. This principle reinforces the importance of discerning truth through logic, evidence, and alignment with God’s unchanging nature.