Affirming the Infallibility and Inerrancy of Scripture
Summary
In today's discussion, we delved into the critical topics of the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture, concepts that have been foundational to the church's understanding of the Bible throughout history. These doctrines assert that the Bible, as the divinely inspired Word of God, is incapable of error and is completely trustworthy in all it affirms. However, with the rise of higher criticism in the 19th and 20th centuries, these beliefs have faced significant challenges. Critics argue that the doctrine of inerrancy is a construct of 17th-century Protestant orthodoxy, suggesting it was not a view held by the early church or even the Reformers. Yet, historical figures like Luther, Tertullian, Irenaeus, and Augustine have all affirmed the Bible's reliability, even if the specific term "inerrancy" was not used.
The Bible's claim to divine inspiration is not unique, as other religious texts make similar claims. However, the authority of the Bible is rooted in its self-attestation as the Word of God, a claim that is supported by the testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus' view of Scripture was one of high regard, treating it as the unbreakable and true Word of God. This view is crucial because the authority of the Bible is intrinsically linked to the authority of Christ. If Jesus, who is the ultimate authority, affirmed the Scriptures, then the church is compelled to uphold this view.
The distinction between infallibility and inerrancy is also significant. Infallibility implies that the Bible cannot fail, while inerrancy means it does not err. The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice, encompassing all that Christians believe and do. However, some have proposed a limited inerrancy, suggesting the Bible is only infallible in matters of faith and practice, not in historical or scientific details. This view undermines the comprehensive authority of Scripture.
Ultimately, the authority of the Bible is not a circular argument but a progressive understanding that begins with the historical reliability of Jesus' teachings. Jesus affirmed the Scriptures as the Word of God, and thus, they are absolutely reliable. The Council on Biblical Inerrancy has further clarified these doctrines, emphasizing that if the Bible cannot err, it does not err, aligning with the New Testament's concept of truth.
Key Takeaways:
- The infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture are foundational doctrines that affirm the Bible's complete trustworthiness as the divinely inspired Word of God. These concepts have been challenged by higher criticism, but historical church figures have consistently upheld the Bible's reliability. [00:31]
- The authority of the Bible is intrinsically linked to the authority of Jesus Christ. Jesus' high view of Scripture as the unbreakable and true Word of God compels the church to uphold the same view, as the Bible's authority is rooted in Christ's testimony. [11:22]
- The distinction between infallibility and inerrancy is crucial. Infallibility implies that the Bible cannot fail, while inerrancy means it does not err. The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice, encompassing all that Christians believe and do. [04:40]
- Limited inerrancy, which suggests the Bible is only infallible in matters of faith and practice, undermines the comprehensive authority of Scripture. This view restricts the Bible's authority and fails to recognize its complete reliability. [08:53]
- The authority of the Bible is not a circular argument but a progressive understanding that begins with the historical reliability of Jesus' teachings. Jesus affirmed the Scriptures as the Word of God, and thus, they are absolutely reliable. [21:44]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:31] - Introduction to Infallibility and Inerrancy
- [01:12] - Historical Criticism and Inerrancy
- [02:31] - The Bible's Self-Claim of Divine Inspiration
- [03:57] - The Church's Historical View of Scripture
- [04:40] - Defining Infallibility and Inerrancy
- [06:04] - Theological Statements on Scripture
- [07:32] - Faith and Practice in Scripture
- [09:30] - Limited Inerrancy Explained
- [10:00] - Authority of the Bible and Christ
- [11:22] - Jesus' View of Scripture
- [13:16] - Jesus' High Regard for Scripture
- [15:04] - Theological Challenges to Jesus' View
- [17:10] - Sinlessness and Teaching of Christ
- [19:28] - The Reliability of Jesus' Teachings
- [21:44] - Progressive Understanding of Biblical Authority
- [22:20] - Conclusion on Inerrancy and Truth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 10:35 - "If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—"
2. Matthew 5:18 - "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the key differences between the terms "infallibility" and "inerrancy" as discussed in the sermon? [04:40]
2. How did historical figures like Luther and Augustine view the reliability of the Bible, even if they did not use the term "inerrancy"? [01:52]
3. What is the significance of Jesus' view of Scripture according to the sermon? [13:16]
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of higher criticism on the doctrines of infallibility and inerrancy? [00:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that the authority of the Bible is linked to the authority of Jesus Christ? What implications does this have for believers? [10:00]
2. In what ways does the concept of "limited inerrancy" challenge the comprehensive authority of Scripture, according to the sermon? [08:53]
3. How does the sermon address the argument that Jesus' view of Scripture was influenced by the cultural context of His time? [15:04]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between the historical reliability of Jesus' teachings and the authority of the Bible? [21:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own view of the Bible's authority. How does it align with the view of Jesus as presented in the sermon? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of Scripture's authority? [13:16]
2. The sermon discusses the challenge of higher criticism. How do you respond to criticisms of the Bible's reliability in your own faith journey? [00:31]
3. Consider the distinction between infallibility and inerrancy. How does this understanding affect your approach to reading and interpreting the Bible? [04:40]
4. How can you ensure that your belief in the Bible's authority is not just theoretical but also practical in your daily life? [06:04]
5. The sermon mentions the concept of "limited inerrancy." How do you personally reconcile scientific or historical claims with your faith in the Bible's authority? [08:53]
6. Jesus' high regard for Scripture is emphasized in the sermon. How can you cultivate a similar respect and love for the Word of God in your life? [13:16]
7. Reflect on a time when you struggled with a passage of Scripture. How did you resolve your doubts, and what role did the authority of Jesus play in that process? [21:44]
Devotional
Day 1: The Bible's Trustworthiness Through History
The infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture are foundational doctrines that affirm the Bible's complete trustworthiness as the divinely inspired Word of God. These concepts have been challenged by higher criticism, but historical church figures have consistently upheld the Bible's reliability. Throughout history, figures like Luther, Tertullian, Irenaeus, and Augustine have affirmed the Bible's reliability, even if the specific term "inerrancy" was not used. This historical affirmation underscores the enduring belief in the Bible's divine inspiration and its incapability of error. Despite the challenges posed by higher criticism in the 19th and 20th centuries, the church has maintained its stance on the Bible's inerrancy, viewing it as a cornerstone of faith. [00:31]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when you doubted the reliability of Scripture. How can the historical affirmation of the Bible's trustworthiness strengthen your faith today?
Day 2: Christ's Testimony as the Foundation of Biblical Authority
The authority of the Bible is intrinsically linked to the authority of Jesus Christ. Jesus' high view of Scripture as the unbreakable and true Word of God compels the church to uphold the same view, as the Bible's authority is rooted in Christ's testimony. Jesus treated Scripture with the utmost respect, viewing it as the ultimate truth and the Word of God. This perspective is crucial because the authority of the Bible is not just based on its claims but on the testimony of Christ Himself. If Jesus, who is the ultimate authority, affirmed the Scriptures, then the church is compelled to uphold this view, recognizing the Bible as the authoritative guide for faith and practice. [11:22]
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: How does Jesus' affirmation of Scripture influence your view of the Bible's authority in your life today?
Day 3: Understanding Infallibility and Inerrancy
The distinction between infallibility and inerrancy is crucial. Infallibility implies that the Bible cannot fail, while inerrancy means it does not err. The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice, encompassing all that Christians believe and do. This distinction helps believers understand the comprehensive nature of the Bible's authority. While infallibility assures us that the Bible will not lead us astray, inerrancy confirms that it is free from error in all it affirms. Together, these doctrines provide a robust framework for understanding the Bible's role as the ultimate guide for faith and life. [04:40]
"The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever." (Psalm 119:160, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you rely on the Bible's infallibility and inerrancy to guide your decisions and actions this week?
Day 4: The Pitfalls of Limited Inerrancy
Limited inerrancy, which suggests the Bible is only infallible in matters of faith and practice, undermines the comprehensive authority of Scripture. This view restricts the Bible's authority and fails to recognize its complete reliability. By proposing that the Bible may contain errors in historical or scientific details, limited inerrancy challenges the notion of Scripture as the ultimate truth. This perspective can lead to a selective approach to the Bible, where only certain parts are deemed trustworthy. Embracing the full inerrancy of Scripture ensures that believers recognize the Bible's authority in all aspects of life, not just in matters of faith. [08:53]
"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (Proverbs 30:5, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have adopted a limited view of the Bible's authority? How can you begin to trust in its complete reliability?
Day 5: The Progressive Understanding of Biblical Authority
The authority of the Bible is not a circular argument but a progressive understanding that begins with the historical reliability of Jesus' teachings. Jesus affirmed the Scriptures as the Word of God, and thus, they are absolutely reliable. This progressive understanding involves recognizing the historical context of Jesus' teachings and how they affirm the Bible's authority. By examining the life and teachings of Jesus, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the Bible's role as the ultimate guide for faith and practice. This understanding reinforces the belief that the Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but the living Word of God. [21:44]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the Bible's authority by studying the teachings of Jesus more closely this week?
Quotes
Any discussion of the nature of sacred Scripture that includes the concern about its inspiration has to tackle, in our day and age, at least, the issues of the infallibility and the inerrancy of Scriptures. We know that throughout church history, the classic and traditional view of the Bible is that having come by way of divine inspiration, the Bible has been recognized by the church in all ages as being infallible and inerrant. [00:00:12]
One of the complaints is that the doctrine of inerrancy is alleged to have been the creation of 17th century protestant orthodoxy, which is sometimes called the Age of Protestant Scholasticism, corresponding to the secular philosophical history's era of the Age of Reason, and that is that the idea of inerrancy has been a rational construct that was foreign not only to the biblical writers themselves, but even to the Magisterial Reformers of the 16th century. [00:01:05]
Critics of inerrancy are quick to point out that Luther never used the term, 'inerrancy', and that's true; all that Luther said was that the Scriptures never err. Now, I don't know what the difference would be between the concept inerrancy and the concept of something's never erring could be, but certainly, the idea was held in common by the Magisterial Reformers. [00:01:45]
Now, we recognize that there are other books on this planet like the 'Book of Mormon', and the 'Koran', and other sacred literature of other world religions that claim to come about by way of divine origin and divine inspiration, and the Bible also makes that claim. Now, I am not one who believes that that claim is true simply because the Bible makes it, because if something is true just because the claim is made, then we would have to grant equal truth to the 'Book of Mormon' and these other books. [00:02:37]
It is significant, however, to the church that the Bible does claim to come to us by divine inspiration, because if it doesn't, then that source that we have for the most important truths of our life is given an exaggerated claim to its own integrity and its own authority, and that would have very serious consequences and repercussions. [00:03:51]
And the word, 'infallible', may be defined as that which cannot fail, is indefectible; it is incapable of making a mistake. And linguistically, the term, 'infallible', is a higher term than the term, 'inerrancy', for this reason: I could write an inerrant grocery list without any claim to divine inspiration. [00:04:31]
One large Christian body in its historic confession makes the claim that the Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. Now, I have seen those who have jettisoned this concept, replace it with another statement that sounds so much similar to this, and that statement goes like this: that the Bible is only infallible when it speaks of faith and practice. [00:05:52]
Now, in the final analysis, the question of the authority of the Bible rests for the church on the question of the authority of Christ. Several years ago, in fact, in the early '70s, Ligonier Ministries sponsored and hosted a conference on the authority of Scripture in Pennsylvania. A book was published out of that conference called God's Inerrant Word, edited by John Warwick Montgomery, the Lutheran scholar. [00:10:02]
There is really not a serious dispute in the theological world about what view Jesus held of the Bible. I would say people like Barth, Brunner, Paul Althaus, even Rudolf Bultmann, Joachim Jeremias, C.H. Dodd, to name but a few of the reputable scholars and higher critical scholars of the 20th century, who agree to a man that the historic human Jesus of Nazareth believed and taught the very high, exalted view of Scripture that was common to first century Judaism. [00:12:53]
But at the same time, these scholars who make that admission turn around and say that Jesus was wrong in His view of Scripture. Now, when you hear that at first blush, you wonder about the arrogance of such a statement from a Christian theologian. You say, "Well, I have a view of Scripture which is the correct one, and I'm going to have to correct Jesus in His teaching to the church about the nature of Scripture." [00:14:38]
And so I would say that if Jesus were wrong about the teaching that He gives to us about such a crucial matter as the authority of the Bible itself, then I can't imagine anybody taking Him seriously about everything else He taught. Now, by Jesus' own pedagogue, He rebuked the Pharisees for straining out the gnat and swallowing the camel and said, "If you cannot believe Me concerning earthly things, how can you believe Me concerning heavenly things?" [00:19:34]
So I think it's significant that we start, not in a circle, assuming the authority of the Bible, but if the Bible teaches us, for example, that Jesus was a good man even, or if the Bible can give us enough just basic reliable historical information that we can say it's basically reliable -- reliable enough to come to the conclusion that Jesus was a prophet, and then we learn that this Jesus, whom we've met by reliable information, tells us that that source of information that we've only deemed to be basically reliable up to this point tells us that it's more than basically reliable, then we have moved not in a circle, but progressively from a basic starting point of historical openness, to criticism, to historical reliability, to historical knowledge of the teaching of Jesus, to the teaching of Jesus, who tells us that that source is not just basically reliable, but absolutely reliable because it is nothing less than the Word of God. [00:21:10]
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