May I just begin by saying I am not a biblical scholar nor a theologian? I confess that when Sandra sent out the list of topics for this month my first response was, “I am not qualified to write about a single one of these!” I finally asked for the simplest ones … and even with these “easy” doctrinal issues, I still feel in way over my head.
So, if you were tempted to skip this month on Scripture Dig, I can totally understand why! It seems overwhelming to contemplate “doctrine.” But, please don’t miss these posts! We want to give you (me!) some basic understanding of what can be complex ideas and, as Sandra explained so well yesterday – our doctrine affects everything else we do.
Our doctrine for today is … inerrancy.
You might have heard this word in sermons. I grew up hearing a pithy sound bite concerning the accuracy of God’s Word, “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.” However, that overused statement is actually two sentences too long. Inerrancy is rooted in one simple truth: God said it.
Inerrancy: Free from error; infallible. {dictionary.com}
Regarding Scriptural inerrancy I found this definition most understandable:
By this word we mean that the Scriptures possess the quality of freedom from error. They are exempt from the liability to mistake, incapable of error. In all their teachings they are in perfect accord with the truth. {E. J. Young, Thy Word is Truth, 113}
The apostle Paul explains this idea to Timothy this way:
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 emphasis added}
Quite simply, the inerrancy of the Bible is the solid foundation for all our other doctrines. That God’s Word is breathed out by Him, entirely inspired by Him, is absolutely necessary! If the accuracy of the Bible is in question, then beliefs such as redemption, salvation, holiness of God, the Trinity … all of the other doctrines we espouse are rooted in error.
Our first doctrine must be that God’s Word, our Bible, is entirely true, free from error … breathed out and inspired by Him and brought to us through His power.
What is your understanding of biblical inerrancy and why do you think it does or doesn’t matter?
Recommended Reading:
What Does It Mean that the Bible is Inerrant, or without Error?
Does God Really Say to Stone our Kids?
Scripture Dig posts on Bible Basics