Hi Richard,
Yes it is a paradox.
Mat 13:13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
v. 14 With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says: 'You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive.
v. 15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.'
So this age is not when the world will be judged (John 12:47). It is for an experience in evil (Ecc. 1:13) or the human experience is to gain knowledge about this physical life. This is the way the whole world is going now. God has them blind and that will remain until their time comes, for most that will be in the white throne judgment. The exception is that God has a few He is preparing for a special task.
Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
v. 17 Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
Indeed it is hard to believe that we may be in that very small group. Being among the few does not guarantee you will be in the first resurrection, because you must be faithful and endure to the end. But being here gives you that chance that very few in this age will ever have an opportunity for.
mercy, peace and love
Kat