Some people assume that academic-sounding theological terms are unnecessary. They assume that words like “inerrancy” are used only by the Christian elites and gatekeepers. What is the point of saying a special word when we can just say, “The Bible is true.”
Christians should avoid using complex words in their teaching and interactions with others, but this does not mean theological terms are unimportant.
For example, believers would have a challenging time explaining who God is without referring to the Trinity — a specific theological word. Likewise, the term “inerrant” is vital to explaining that the Scripture is true and without error.
The term is even more relevant because of the many attacks on the validity of the Bible from the secular world and some who identify as Christians. Biblical inerrancy is important for all gospel-centered and Bible-believing followers of Christ.
Defining Biblical Inerrancy
Biblical inerrancy means that Scripture is true and without error. As Article XII of the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy states, “We affirm that Scripture in its entirety is inerrant, being free from all falsehood, fraud, or deceit.”
To avoid assuming that the doctrine of inerrancy is manmade or fabricated, we must recognize that inerrancy is derived from Scripture, not forced onto the text. The Bible is incapable of being wrong because it is authored by God, who cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18).
He would not create a written revelation of Himself filled with falsehoods. Instead, the Bible is God’s Word and fully inspired. It is God-breathed, meaning that the Lord inspired it (2 Timothy 3:16). What He says is always true.
Biblical inerrancy is not undermined by the truth that God used human authors. The Lord used people like Moses and Luke to pen the books of the Bible, but they were carried or led by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).
Although pastors, teachers, and scholars commonly refer to the authorship of individual books, the main author is God the Holy Spirit.
Furthermore, all Scripture is inerrant, not just certain parts. Some critics argue that Paul was only thinking of the Old Testament when he referred to Scripture being God-breathed in his epistle (2 Timothy 3:16).
However, there is evidence that the apostles viewed the New Testament books and epistles as the inspired and inerrant Word of God during their lifetime.
Peter mentions Paul’s writings along with the rest of Scripture (2 Peter 3:16). Also, Paul quotes from Luke’s Gospel and refers to the quotation as Scripture (1 Timothy 5:18).
Therefore, the teaching that Scripture is without error is biblical. The doctrine of inerrancy is based on the character of God and the authorship of Scripture through the power of the Holy Spirit. Inerrancy is not merely a modern idea but a truth that was recognized by the apostles.
The Need for Upholding Inerrancy in the Modern Age
We need to properly understand biblical inerrancy so we can defend the doctrine against critics. In the modern age, people within and without the church have questioned the doctrine of inerrancy and argued that Scripture is filled with errors and manufactured teachings.
There have also been dangerous reinterpretations of what it means when someone says the Bible is God’s Word. One example of this is Karl Barth’s idea that Scripture is only God’s Word when it reveals God through a personal encounter with the text.
To Barth, the Bible was merely an imperfect work created by humans. Such a teaching detracts from a biblical view of Scripture.
Others have attacked biblical inerrancy more openly. Bart Ehrman, a professor and scholar of the Bible, though an agnostic atheist, is well-known for his attacks on the biblical Jesus, as well as his denial of the truth of the Bible.
He has authored books and debated with numerous Christians in an attempt to undermine Scripture.
Followers of Jesus need to be able to articulate the truth that Scripture is fully inspired, reliable, and without error.
The need is even greater because so many people have heard criticisms of Scripture or been taught that irreconcilable contradictions are present. We must stand firm on the biblical teaching of inerrancy so that we can boldly give a defense for what we believe (1 Peter 3:15).
Responding to Common Arguments
1. But aren’t there contradictions in the Bible? Based on the doctrine of inerrancy, Scripture is incapable of being wrong. Therefore, it cannot contradict itself.
Many critics try to undermine the Bible’s truthfulness and inspiration by claiming that there are countless contradictions that cannot be reconciled.
However, such “contradictions” are often solved by looking more closely at Scripture, the context, background, and other verses.
An example of this is Jesus’ resurrection in the gospels. Detractors claim that the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection do not line up perfectly across each gospel account.
The fact that they do not align perfectly actually gives validity to the accounts because it shows that they were not involved in a conspiracy.
Instead, each writer presented the facts from their unique perspectives, which is exactly what we would expect from independent writers all recording the same true event — Jesus’ resurrection.
If we carefully study Scripture, we will find that there are no contradictions because God’s Word cannot contradict itself.
2. There are so many different versions available. Which version or translation does inerrancy apply to? This argument and question are based on the faulty assumption that only one translation or version is correct — namely, a specific English translation.
Inerrancy applies to the original manuscripts of the Bible. These are preserved in the numerous copies that we do have access to.
The different English Bible versions available today, such as the NIV or ESV, are based on these copies, which means they convey a reliable translation of the copies of the original manuscripts.
Among all ancient literature, the Bible is the most accurately transmitted. It has been well-preserved by the direct provision of the Lord. We can stand firm in the knowledge that the Bible is dependable and accurate.
3. I trust in the gospel. Does it really matter what I believe about the Bible? A person is saved if they place faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-11). Salvation is not based on anything else.
For example, the thief who placed faith in Jesus while hanging on the cross next to the Lord had no time to study the Bible and develop a thorough theology. Jesus promised, though, that the believing thief would be with Him in paradise (Luke 23:43).
What a person believes about the Bible does not affect their salvation. However, the gospel message comes from the testimony of Scripture (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). We know about Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection because of the accounts recorded in the Bible.
Someone who does not want to believe in the inerrancy of the Bible would have to give the reason they trust the gospel message but not the rest of Scripture.
Why trust one part but not another? Denying the inerrancy of the Bible will negatively affect a believer’s walk with Christ.
Reading and obeying the Bible is essential to a Christian’s growth as a disciple. Therefore, biblical inerrancy is more than a theological concept. The doctrine has practical implications in the Christian life, affecting our discipleship and witness to others.
Standing Firm on the Truth of Scripture
The need to stand firm on the truth of Scripture is vital in today’s world. Critics abound who want to destroy faith in the Bible and the message it contains. We must be knowledgeable about the doctrine of inerrancy so we can defend the truth and point others to their need for Christ.
For further reading:
What Is the Inerrancy of Scripture?
Do I Have to Believe the Bible Is Inerrant to Be Saved?
What Does it Mean That the Bible Is God-Breathed?
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/RomoloTavani
