===Inerrancy of Scripture===
Biblical inerrancy is the belief that the Bible is error-free in its original writings, including its moral and spiritual teachings, historical facts, and scientific claims. It implies that the Bible contains no contradictions or material errors. Some Christians believe in this doctrine, which has been especially influential among U.S. evangelicals. It took shape in the 19th and 20th centuries, and in 1978, hundreds of evangelical leaders produced a statement that is considered the fullest articulation of the doctrine
What if the Bible has errors?
Whereas inspiration concerns the origin of the Bible’s aThe truth is I fully believe what Paul said to Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). Of course, I also embrace what Jesus Himself said about the Bible: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17) and “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35)..Moreover, I’m a fan of the Chicago statement on biblical inerrancy, part of which reads: “God, who is Himself Truth and speaks truth only, has inspired Holy Scripture in order thereby to reveal Himself to lost mankind through Jesus Christ as Creator and Lord, Redeemer and Judge. Holy Scripture is God’s witness to Himself. Holy Scripture, being God’s own Word, written by men prepared and superintended by His Spirit, is of infallible divine authority in all matters upon which it touches: it is to be believed, as God’s instruction, in all that it affirms; obeyed, as God’s command, in all that it requires; embraced, as God’s pledge, in all that it promises.” (Christian Post 2/26/24) Read More>>>>>
Whereas inspiration concerns the origin of the Bible’s aThe truth is I fully believe what Paul said to Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). Of course, I also embrace what Jesus Himself said about the Bible: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17) and “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35)..Moreover, I’m a fan of the Chicago statement on biblical inerrancy, part of which reads: “God, who is Himself Truth and speaks truth only, has inspired Holy Scripture in order thereby to reveal Himself to lost mankind through Jesus Christ as Creator and Lord, Redeemer and Judge. Holy Scripture is God’s witness to Himself. Holy Scripture, being God’s own Word, written by men prepared and superintended by His Spirit, is of infallible divine authority in all matters upon which it touches: it is to be believed, as God’s instruction, in all that it affirms; obeyed, as God’s command, in all that it requires; embraced, as God’s pledge, in all that it promises.” (Christian Post 2/26/24) Read More>>>>>
The Pursuit of Holiness: Evangelicalism And Biblical Inerrancy: A Brief History From 1900 Onward 9.4.22
May 22, 2022: Chorus in the Chaos: Inerrancy and the Gospels: How to Handle Narrative Differences
Defending the inerrancy of scripture can be a challenging task for the unprepared Christian. In the world today, there is no shortage of critical voices speaking out against the authority of scripture. Even within Christendom, some seem determined to undermine the bible’s inerrancy in every instance. Therefore, Christians need to be equipped to defend, not only their faith but also the scriptures on which the only true, ancient religion is based upon.
Defending the inerrancy of scripture can be a challenging task for the unprepared Christian. In the world today, there is no shortage of critical voices speaking out against the authority of scripture. Even within Christendom, some seem determined to undermine the bible’s inerrancy in every instance. Therefore, Christians need to be equipped to defend, not only their faith but also the scriptures on which the only true, ancient religion is based upon.
“The trustworthiness of the Scriptures lies at the foundation of trust in the Christian system of doctrine, and is therefore fundamental to the Christian hope and life.”
-Benjamin B. Warfield
-Benjamin B. Warfield
Jan 12, 2022: Southern Equip: Do Inconsistencies in the Gospels Undermine Scripture’s Inerrancy?
We know the words of Scripture were written or recited by human prophets or apostles, but were they also the exact words God wanted written down?
We know the words of Scripture were written or recited by human prophets or apostles, but were they also the exact words God wanted written down?
Dec 30, 2021: Baptist News Global: History shows ‘integrity’ and ‘inerrancy’ don’t go together
“Integrity” is an interesting word. It is a powerful word. It can be an elusive word.
“Integrity” is an interesting word. It is a powerful word. It can be an elusive word.
July 25, 2021: Kiowa County Press: What is biblical inerrancy? A New Testament scholar explains
In his farewell address at the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention, outgoing president J.D. Greear acknowledged the internal disputes but assured attendees that the Baptist faith continues to affirm "those doctrines most contested in our culture," such as "the authority, and the inerrancy, and the sufficiency of scripture."
In his farewell address at the 2021 Southern Baptist Convention, outgoing president J.D. Greear acknowledged the internal disputes but assured attendees that the Baptist faith continues to affirm "those doctrines most contested in our culture," such as "the authority, and the inerrancy, and the sufficiency of scripture."
July 13, 2021: The Conversation: What is biblical inerrancy? A New Testament scholar explains
The Bible itself does not claim to be inerrant. Perhaps the closest the Bible comes to claiming to be without error is in a New Testament letter known as 2 Timothy 3:16. In this letter, the apostle Paul states that “all scripture is inspired and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” In other words, the Bible is God’s authoritative instruction for the church.
Biblical scholars are quick to point out that “all scripture” here does not likely refer to both the Old and New Testaments, and that the apostle Paul likely did not even write 2 Timothy. This verse, however, remains central to those who see the Bible as without error.
The Bible itself does not claim to be inerrant. Perhaps the closest the Bible comes to claiming to be without error is in a New Testament letter known as 2 Timothy 3:16. In this letter, the apostle Paul states that “all scripture is inspired and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” In other words, the Bible is God’s authoritative instruction for the church.
Biblical scholars are quick to point out that “all scripture” here does not likely refer to both the Old and New Testaments, and that the apostle Paul likely did not even write 2 Timothy. This verse, however, remains central to those who see the Bible as without error.
Inerrancy of Scripture
Whereas inspiration concerns the origin of the Bible’s authority, inerrancy describes its nature. By inerrancy we refer not only to the Bible’s being “without error” but also to its inability to err (we might helpfully illustrate this point by comparing it to the distinction between Jesus’ sinlessness or being without sin, on the one hand, and his impeccability or inability to sin on the other). Inerrancy, positively defined, refers to a central and crucial property of the Bible, namely, its utter truthfulness. The basis for the doctrine of biblical inerrancy is located both in the nature of God and in the Bible’s teaching about itself. First, if God is perfect—all-knowing, all-wise, all-good—it follows that God speaks the truth. God does not tell lies; God is not ignorant. God’s Word is thus free from all error arising either from conscious deceit or unconscious ignorance. Such is the unanimous confession of the psalmist, the prophets, the Lord Jesus and the apostles. Second, the Bible presents itself as the Word of God written. Thus, in addition to its humanity (which is never denied), the Bible also enjoys the privileges and prerogatives of its status as God’s Word. God’s Word is thus wholly reliable, a trustworthy guide to reality, a light unto our path.
(Kevin J. Vanhoozeron; CS Lewis Insttute 3/1/10) Read More>>>>>
Whereas inspiration concerns the origin of the Bible’s authority, inerrancy describes its nature. By inerrancy we refer not only to the Bible’s being “without error” but also to its inability to err (we might helpfully illustrate this point by comparing it to the distinction between Jesus’ sinlessness or being without sin, on the one hand, and his impeccability or inability to sin on the other). Inerrancy, positively defined, refers to a central and crucial property of the Bible, namely, its utter truthfulness. The basis for the doctrine of biblical inerrancy is located both in the nature of God and in the Bible’s teaching about itself. First, if God is perfect—all-knowing, all-wise, all-good—it follows that God speaks the truth. God does not tell lies; God is not ignorant. God’s Word is thus free from all error arising either from conscious deceit or unconscious ignorance. Such is the unanimous confession of the psalmist, the prophets, the Lord Jesus and the apostles. Second, the Bible presents itself as the Word of God written. Thus, in addition to its humanity (which is never denied), the Bible also enjoys the privileges and prerogatives of its status as God’s Word. God’s Word is thus wholly reliable, a trustworthy guide to reality, a light unto our path.
(Kevin J. Vanhoozeron; CS Lewis Insttute 3/1/10) Read More>>>>>