Inerrancy simply means free from error. The two central tenets of the scriptural basis for inerrancy are that God cannot make mistakes (Heb. 6:18; Titus 1:2; Rom. 3:4) and that the Bible is the inspired word of God (2 Tim 316–17; John 10:34–35; Matt 4:4). Theologians conclude from this that the Bible is error-proof. Denying one or both premises is the only method to refute this conclusion. However, because the Bible adequately teaches that these truths are infallible (divine authority), it follows that the Bible is logically inerrant. [1]
The fathers of the Christian church believed in the inerrancy of the Bible. Augustine writes, “I have learned to yield this respect and honor only to the canonical books of Scripture: of these alone do I most firmly believe that the authors were completely free from error.”[2] Martin Luther added, “Everyone, indeed, knows that at times they [the fathers] have erred as men will; therefore I am ready to trust them only when they prove their opinion from Scripture, which has never erred.”[3] Thomas Aquinas confessed of the Bible, “I firmly believe that none of their authors have erred in compromising them.”[4] In the same passage, he referred to Scripture as “unfailing truth.”[5]
“Scriptures possess the quality of freedom from error. They are exempt from the liability of mistakes and incapable of error. In all their teachings, they are in perfect accord with the truth.”[6]
The Bible, in its original form and correctly understood, is perfectly true in all that it affirms.[7] Inerrancy is an essential doctrine for the modern church. In a world with so many erroneous conceptions, so many false teachers, and Satan, who is poised to deceive even God’s chosen people (Matt 24:24), the Bible is a formidable source of defense and guidance. When the Bible is clearly interpreted, it accurately speaks to all doctrines, ethics, social issues, physical matters, and all aspects of life.
Biblical inerrancy is exceptionally crucial to Christians and the Christian faith. It is the hinge that connects the other Christian doctrines. “Denial of inerrancy will of necessity lead to a denial of other doctrines.”[8] Enns writes, “The inerrancy of the Bible means simply that the Bible tells the truth. Truth can and does include approximations, free quotations, language of appearances, and different accounts of the same event as long as those do not contradict.”[9] Our understanding of the character of God and everything the Bible teaches hinges on the fact that the Bible, which is the basis of our faith (Rom. 10:17), “is truthful in all of its teachings.”[10] The Bible claims, “The law of the Lord is perfect … the statutes of the Lord are trustworthy” (Ps 19:7). “Every word of God is flawless” (Prov 30:5). These declarations of purity and perfection are absolute, with no opportunity for alternative possibilities or theories. Some have suggested that the Bible contains errors, which raises questions about God’s character. If the Bible has flaws, it implies that God can fail or make mistakes, which is impossible.
In John 6:67-69, many of Jesus’ followers abandoned Him because He demanded greater commitments from people who claimed to be His disciples. He then turns to the twelve apostles and inquires, “Are you also going to leave?” Peter responded, “Lord, to whom would we go? You possess the words that give eternal life.” The Bible is our only manual for faith and practice. If it is not reliable, then on what do we base our beliefs? Jesus requires us to trust Him, and that includes trust in what He says in His Word. May we have the same trust in the Lord and His words of life, and may we be as diligent in sharing them as Peter and the apostles did.
[1] Norman L. Geisler, Systematic Theology (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2011), 369-371.
[2] Augustine, Letter 82.3, as cited in Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 194.
[3] Luther as cited in P. D. Feinberg, “Inerrancy and Infallibility of Bible”, in Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd Edition, ed. by Walter A. Elwell (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001),158.
[4] Aquinas as cited in Norman L. Geisler, Systematic Theology (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2011), 374.
[5] Ibid.
[6] E. J. Young, Thy Word Is Truth (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1957), 113.
[7] P. D. Feinberg, “Inerrancy and Infallibility of Bible”, in Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd Edition, ed. by Walter A. Elwell (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001),156.
[8] Feinberg, “Inerrancy and Infallibility of Bible”, 158.
[9] Paul Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1989), 167.
[10] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 3rd ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 189.