Bible Study: The Concept of Biblical Inerrancy
I. Introduction
The doctrine of Inerrancy is inextricably linked to the Inspiration and Authority of the Scriptures. To claim that the Bible is "inerrant" is to affirm that it does not err; it tells the truth.
We affirm that:
• The Bible is the inspired Word of God ($2$ Timothy $3:16$).
• Everything it teaches is true.
• Its authority is final in all matters of faith and practice.
Crucial Questions for Study:
1. In what sense is the Bible "true"?
2. Does it teach science and history with modern technical precision?
3. How do we handle apparent textual discrepancies?
This study seeks to understand inerrancy through the lens of biblical theology, balancing divine perfection with human medium.
II. The Foundation of Inerrancy: Divine Inspiration
Inerrancy is not an isolated claim; it is the logical result of how the Bible was produced.
• 2 Timothy 3:16 : The Scripture is Theopneustos ("God-breathed"). It originates from the very breath of God.
• 2 Peter 1:20-21 : Prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets spoke from God as they were "carried along" by the Holy Spirit.
The Implications of Inspiration:
• Divine Sovereignty: The Holy Spirit superintended the process.
• Human Agency: God used the personalities, styles, and contexts of human authors without bypassing them.
• Guaranteed Message: Inspiration ensures that the divine message was correctly communicated and faithfully recorded for posterity.
III. Challenges Raised Against Inerrancy
Critics and students often point to "errors," but most of these fall into three categories of misunderstanding:
1. Phenomenological Language
Example: Joshua 10:12-15 describes the sun and moon "standing still."
From a modern heliocentric perspective, we know the Earth stopped rotating. However, the Bible uses language of appearance. We do the same today when we say "the sun rose" or "the sun set." The Bible describes events from a human vantage point, not as a technical scientific manual.
2. The Hebrew Worldview (Cosmovision)
The Old Testament reflects the cultural understanding of its time, mentioning:
• Sheol: The realm of the dead (underworld).
• The Earth: The human plane.
• The Heavens: The spiritual/divine plane.
God revealed eternal spiritual truths within the cultural and linguistic framework of the original audience. This is called Divine Condescension—God "lisping" to us so we can understand.
3. Copyist Errors (Scribal Variants)
Example: Isaiah 9:3 contains a textual variation in the Masoretic Text regarding the word "joy."
Over centuries, copyists occasionally made minor slips (homophones, omissions).
• The Original Autographs: Inerrancy strictly applies to the original manuscripts written by the authors.
• Essential Reliability: These minor variants do not compromise the message, doctrine, or the essential reliability of the text. A typo in a letter does not invalidate the intent of the author.
IV. Three Major Theological Positions
Theologians categorize the "extent" of inerrancy in different ways:
Position |
Definition |
Key Characteristic |
1. Absolute Inerrancy |
The Bible is totally accurate in every detail, including science and history, with modern precision. |
Defends mathematical exactness (e.g., the measurements in 2 Chronicles 4:2 ). |
2. Full Inerrancy |
The Bible is completely true, but uses common, phenomenological, and contextual language. |
It isn't "wrong" about science; it just isn't teaching science. It uses the language of the time to communicate truth. |
3. Limited Inerrancy |
The Bible is infallible in matters of faith and doctrine, but may contain errors in "non-essential" scientific or historical areas. |
Associated with theologians like Millard Erickson; focuses on the salvific purpose of the text. |
V. Revelation, Inspiration, and Illumination
To study the Bible effectively, we must distinguish these three operations of the Spirit:
1. Revelation: God uncovering what was hidden and making Himself known.
2. Inspiration: God guiding the writers to record that revelation.
3. Illumination: The Holy Spirit helping the believer understand the recorded Word ( 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 ).
Important Distinction: The translator is not inspired. The preacher is not inspired. Both require Illumination to interpret the Inspired Word correctly.
VI. The Central Purpose of the Bible
According to major confessions of faith (such as the Baptist Faith and Message), the Bible exists to:
• Reveal God’s purposes.
• Lead sinners to salvation.
• Edify believers and promote God's glory.
Key Verses:
• John 20:31 : Written so that you may believe Jesus is the Christ.
• Romans 15:4 : Written for our instruction and encouragement.
• 2 Timothy 3:15 : Able to make you wise for salvation.
The Bible is a Redemptive Revelation, not an academic compendium or a technical manual.
VII. The Relationship Between Bible and Science
• Science is progressive, mutable, and self-correcting. What is "fact" today may be revised tomorrow.
• The Word of God is eternal (Isaiah 40:8 ) and immutable in its purpose.
If we re-interpret the Bible every time a new scientific theory emerges, we lose all doctrinal stability. While the Bible and nature (General Revelation) cannot ultimately contradict one another, we must prioritize the Bible as the final authority in faith.
- Bible Study about Prophetism: The Prophetic Movement
- Bible Study: Redemption — The Price of Our Freedom
- Bible Study: Sanctification—The Process of Becoming Like Christ
VIII. Doctrinal Conclusion
1. We believe the Bible is the Inspired Word of God.
2. We affirm its final authority in faith and practice.
3. We recognize its purpose is spiritual and redemptive.
4. We must not force the Bible to be what it never claimed to be (a scientific textbook).
5. Inerrancy must be understood within its purpose: The Bible is inerrant in everything it intends to teach. In everything it reveals about God, sin, salvation, and eternity, its authority is absolute and non-negotiable.
