Christian Publishing House Blog
Apologetic Defense of the faith, the Bible, and Christianity
The first formulations of the doctrine of inerrancy had not been established according to the authority of a council, creed, or church, until the post-Reformation period. The critic would argue how could Jesus have believed in a view that was not in existence until 1,500 years after his life. How would you respond?
The doctrine of [absolute] Inerrancy of Scripture is the foundational doctrine of the true Christian and the true Christian faith. This article will be a wake-up call for most readers and a shock for others when they learn that some of their favorite Christian authors and apologists do not believe in absolute inerrancy of Scripture.
2 Timothy 3:16 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 2 Peter 1:21 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 21 for no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. John 14:26 Updated American Standard Version (UASV) 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, that one will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
In full consciousness and fulfillment of Jesus’ oft-repeated promise to guide them unto “all the truth,” the apostles claimed divine authority for what they taught orally and in their writings.
"As the Bible is firmly rooted in the God whose Word it is, each member of the Trinity is involved in its inerrancy. Thus, three arguments can be stated, one in terms of each member of the Godhead. That the Bible is without error is clear from these three arguments." - Norman L. Geisler
Holiness is used of God’s Word similarly to the way it is used of God, namely, to be set apart from other things, to be sacred, to be exalted. Paul told Timothy, “From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).
The mode of operation by which the Holy Spirit worked with the authors in order to assure an infallible and inerrant product is a matter of much speculation among theologians. The mystery remains inscrutable, but the process is intelligible and the parameters are definable.
In view of what the Bible says and shows about itself, a definition of divine inspiration can be formulated. First, the elements of a definition will be set forth; then, the definition will be derived from them. There appear to be six basic elements stated or implied in the Bible.
Biblical inspiration is not only verbal (located in the words), but it is also plenary, meaning that it extends to every part of the words and all they teach or imply. Inspiration does guarantee the truth of all the Bible teaches, implies, or entails (spiritually or factually).
Numerous passages make it evident that the locus of revelation and inspiration is the written Word, the Scriptures (Gk: grapha), not simply the idea or even the writer.