Defending Scripture: Inerrancy and Christ's Authority
Summary
In this session, I explored the critical doctrine of the inerrancy of Scripture, emphasizing its foundational importance to the Christian faith. The battle for defending the trustworthiness of the Bible is fought on two fronts: against a secular world that questions its reliability and within the church itself, where higher criticism has sown seeds of doubt. I highlighted the necessity of defending Scripture's claims differently in these arenas, focusing primarily on addressing the church's internal challenges.
I discussed various methods of defending Scripture, including the confessional and presuppositional approaches, which rely on the Bible's self-authenticating nature. However, I critiqued the circular reasoning inherent in these methods, advocating instead for a classical approach that begins with the Bible's general reliability as a historical document. This method allows us to examine what Jesus, acknowledged even by critics as a historical figure, taught about Scripture. Jesus' high view of Scripture, as recorded in the Bible, is often accepted by critics, though they argue he was mistaken due to his human limitations.
I addressed the theological implications of Jesus' teachings on Scripture, particularly the challenge posed by critics who claim Jesus was wrong but that it was acceptable due to his human nature. I argued that this perspective undermines the sinlessness of Christ, which is essential for our salvation. Jesus' claim to be the truth and his authoritative teaching on Scripture demand that he be without error, even in his human nature. Therefore, the church must uphold the view of Scripture that Jesus taught, recognizing it as the very word of God, not merely generally reliable.
Key Takeaways:
- The defense of Scripture's inerrancy is a dual-front battle: against secular skepticism and internal church criticism. Each requires a tailored approach, with the church needing a robust defense against higher criticism that undermines biblical authority. [02:19]
- Circular reasoning in defending Scripture, such as presuppositionalism, is inadequate. A linear approach, starting with the Bible's general reliability, provides a more robust defense, allowing us to explore Jesus' teachings on Scripture. [04:48]
- Jesus' high view of Scripture, acknowledged even by critics, is crucial. Critics argue he was mistaken due to human limitations, but this undermines his sinlessness, essential for salvation. Jesus' teachings must be upheld as authoritative. [24:32]
- The sinlessness of Christ is at stake in the debate over his teachings on Scripture. If Jesus taught falsehood, even unknowingly, it would compromise his moral integrity and disqualify him as the sinless Lamb of God. [36:46]
- The church must align its view of Scripture with Jesus' teachings, recognizing it as the word of God. This alignment is essential for maintaining the authority of Scripture and the integrity of the Christian faith. [42:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Introduction to the Conference
[01:25] - The Two-Front Battle for Scripture
[02:56] - Methods of Defending Scripture
[04:09] - Presuppositionalism and Circular Reasoning
[06:10] - The Authority of God's Word
[07:39] - Classical Method of Defense
[09:17] - Calvin's Distinction: Proof vs. Persuasion
[11:07] - Internal Testimony of the Holy Spirit
[12:26] - Historical Reliability of Scripture
[14:21] - William Foxwell Albright's Critique
[17:12] - Scientific Inquiry and Biblical Truth
[18:36] - Linear Approach to Defending Inerrancy
[22:07] - Jesus' Teachings on Scripture
[25:46] - Neo-Orthodox Theology and Error
[30:02] - The Sinlessness of Christ
[36:11] - The Moral Implications of Jesus' Teachings
[42:09] - Aligning with Jesus' View of Scripture
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 17:17 - "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
2. Matthew 5:18 - "For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the two fronts on which the battle for defending the inerrancy of Scripture is fought, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:25]
2. How does the sermon describe the presuppositional approach to defending Scripture, and what critique is offered against it? [04:48]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' high view of Scripture, even acknowledged by critics? [24:32]
4. What theological implications are discussed in the sermon regarding Jesus' teachings on Scripture and his sinlessness? [36:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the classical approach to defending Scripture differ from the presuppositional approach, and why might it be considered more robust? [04:48]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the sinlessness of Christ is essential for our salvation, particularly in relation to his teachings on Scripture? [36:46]
3. How does the sermon address the challenge posed by critics who claim Jesus was wrong about Scripture due to his human limitations? [24:32]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of aligning the church's view of Scripture with Jesus' teachings? [42:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced skepticism about the Bible's reliability. How did you respond, and what approach might you take now after hearing this sermon? [01:25]
2. The sermon critiques circular reasoning in defending Scripture. How can you ensure your own defense of the Bible is both logical and faithful? [04:48]
3. Jesus' high view of Scripture is crucial, according to the sermon. How can you incorporate this perspective into your daily Bible reading and study? [24:32]
4. Consider the theological implications of Jesus' teachings on Scripture. How does this affect your understanding of his sinlessness and its importance for your faith? [36:46]
5. The sermon emphasizes the need for the church to align its view of Scripture with Jesus' teachings. What steps can you take to ensure your church community upholds this view? [42:09]
6. How can you engage in conversations with those who doubt the inerrancy of Scripture, using the classical approach discussed in the sermon? [04:48]
7. Reflect on your personal view of Scripture. How does it align with Jesus' teachings, and what changes might you need to make to ensure it does? [42:09]
Devotional
Day 1: The Dual Battle for Scripture's Inerrancy
The defense of Scripture's inerrancy is a complex task that requires addressing both external and internal challenges. Externally, the secular world often questions the Bible's reliability, demanding evidence and logical reasoning. Internally, within the church, higher criticism has introduced doubts about the authority of Scripture. Each of these fronts requires a tailored approach. Within the church, it is crucial to provide a robust defense against higher criticism, which can undermine the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. This involves not only intellectual arguments but also a reaffirmation of the spiritual and historical truths that Scripture embodies. [02:19]
2 Timothy 3:16-17: "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."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively engage with and defend the authority of Scripture in your own faith community?
Day 2: Beyond Circular Reasoning in Defending Scripture
Defending the inerrancy of Scripture requires moving beyond circular reasoning, such as presuppositionalism, which assumes the Bible's truth without external validation. A more effective approach is to start with the Bible's general reliability as a historical document. This method allows for an exploration of Jesus' teachings on Scripture, which are often acknowledged even by critics. By establishing the Bible's historical credibility, believers can engage in meaningful discussions about its divine inspiration and authority. This approach not only strengthens personal faith but also equips believers to address skepticism with reasoned arguments. [04:48]
1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: How can you prepare yourself to defend your faith using reasoned arguments that go beyond presuppositional beliefs?
Day 3: Upholding Jesus' High View of Scripture
Jesus' teachings on Scripture are central to understanding its authority. Critics may argue that Jesus, due to his human limitations, was mistaken in his high view of Scripture. However, this perspective challenges the sinlessness of Christ, which is essential for salvation. Jesus' claim to be the truth and his authoritative teaching on Scripture demand that he be without error, even in his human nature. Therefore, it is vital for the church to uphold the view of Scripture that Jesus taught, recognizing it as the very word of God, not merely generally reliable. [24:32]
John 17:17: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Reflection: How does Jesus' view of Scripture influence your own understanding and application of the Bible in your daily life?
Day 4: The Sinlessness of Christ and Scriptural Integrity
The debate over Jesus' teachings on Scripture has significant theological implications. If Jesus taught falsehood, even unknowingly, it would compromise his moral integrity and disqualify him as the sinless Lamb of God. The sinlessness of Christ is at stake in this debate, as it is essential for our salvation. Upholding the integrity of Jesus' teachings on Scripture is crucial for maintaining the core tenets of the Christian faith. Believers are called to recognize the authority of Scripture as the word of God, aligning their beliefs with the teachings of Christ. [36:46]
Hebrews 4:15: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your understanding of Scripture aligns with the sinless nature of Christ?
Day 5: Aligning with Jesus' View of Scripture
The church must align its view of Scripture with Jesus' teachings, recognizing it as the word of God. This alignment is essential for maintaining the authority of Scripture and the integrity of the Christian faith. By embracing Jesus' high view of Scripture, believers can strengthen their faith and witness to others. This involves not only intellectual assent but also a commitment to living out the truths of Scripture in daily life. The authority of Scripture, as taught by Jesus, provides a firm foundation for faith and practice. [42:09]
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."
Reflection: How can you actively align your life and beliefs with the teachings of Jesus regarding the authority of Scripture?
Quotes
When we're engaged in this battle of defending the in insiration, infallibility, and inherency of the scriptures, we're fighting a war that's on two fronts. On the one hand, we are called to defend the trustworthiness of the Bible before an unbelieving world to a secular society that has no end of arguments against the trustworthiness of scripture. [00:01:25]
The other Battleground for the Bible is within the church itself, and that perhaps shouldn't be the case. But since the Advent of higher criticism and its influence, particularly in the mainline denominations, there's been an avalanche of criticism leveled against the trustworthiness of the Bible. [00:02:09]
Circular reasoning invalidates any argument, and attempts to reconstruct circularity as a legitimate form by saying that all arguments are circular in a certain sense. We see a second fallacy introduced into discussion: the fallacy of equivocation, where the meaning of circularity changes in both discussions. [00:05:00]
If God were to appear here and open his mouth and speak, there wouldn't be any debate that what he said was true. Obviously, if it were God speaking and we heard his voice directly from his lips, we wouldn't have to construct an argument to defend its infallibility or its inherency. [00:06:04]
Calvin made a distinction between proof and persuasion. You know the old adage that a man convinced against his will holds his original position still. When you're trying to defend the Bible to an unbeliever, you're dealing with the problem of human sinfulness, where we understand that there is an inherent allergy against the Bible. [00:09:17]
The internal testimony of the Holy Spirit is not about giving new proof or new information to the information that's already there. Rather, it causes us to do what Calvin calls acquiesce into the India, that is, to surrender to the objective evidence, which evidence we would resist because of our innate hostility towards the things of God. [00:11:07]
The first premise is that the Bible is generally reliable in what it teaches. Notice that that first premise makes no claim for infallibility, no claim for inherency, no claim for inspiration, but simply the first premise is that the scripture is generally reliable as a historical source. [00:18:36]
If you won't accept this first premise that the Bible's generally reliable, might have errors and may have errors here and there, critical mistakes, and views of morality and other things that you disapprove of, but in the main, in general, it's generally reliable, not generally unreliable. [00:20:00]
If we know anything about the historical Jesus, we know that he embraced and taught the prevailing view of the scriptures that was held among his contemporary Jewish leaders, the Pharisees, and the like. So there is a willingness to grant in the academic debate that yes, Jesus did teach this high view of scripture. [00:22:07]
Jesus claimed to speak on the authority of God. He claimed to be the very incarnation of Truth. If somebody claims to be the Incarnation of Truth and teaches falsehood, even if he doesn't know that he's teaching falsehood, he has sinned. It's one of the reasons why James tells us let not many become teachers. [00:40:00]
The church doesn't want to have a view of the Bible that's higher than the one Jesus had taught and certainly doesn't want to have a view of the Bible that is less or lower than that which was taught by Christ. This view of scripture is not that the Bible is generally reliable. [00:42:09]
If the church is going to follow Jesus and if Jesus is going to be the lord of the church, then we have to embrace his teaching about the nature and the authority of all of sacred scripture. [00:43:59]
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