Doctrine & Disciplines of the Bible
In this article, we will delve deeper into the doctrines of inerrancy and infallibility of the Scriptures. These doctrines are not just abstract concepts, but they are deeply personal to each of us. They affirm the Bible’s trustworthiness through its divine inspiration, which is not just the foundation of our faith in Christ, but also a personal guide in our walk with Him.
The doctrine of inerrancy refers to the belief that the Bible is entirely accurate and trustworthy in all its assertions. This means that the Bible is free from all falsehoods or mistakes. The Bible is not merely a human document but the Word of God. This doctrine affirms that the Bible is entirely reliable and trustworthy. Conversely, infallibility refers to the belief that the Bible is accurate and reliable in all the matters it addresses. It must be correct. Infallibility logically flows from inerrancy. Since the Bible is without error (inerrancy), it is reliable (infallible) in everything it teaches.
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy is not a mere document, but a significant milestone in our faith. It was crafted in 1978 by three hundred preeminent evangelical leaders, a time when the battle for the Bible was at its peak. This statement provides the biblical basis for these doctrines and affirms that the Bible is the Word of God written, and when the Bible speaks, God speaks.
The doctrine of inerrancy is crucial to our faith because Jesus Himself affirmed the inerrancy of Scripture. In John 10:35, Jesus said, “Scripture cannot be broken.” This means that every word of the Bible is accurate and trustworthy. If we claim to follow Jesus Christ, we must embrace the Bible as true and correct.
The doctrine of infallibility is equally essential as it logically stems from the doctrine of inerrancy. The Bible is not just a book, but how God communicates with us. When the Bible speaks, God speaks. This is the Bible’s own testimony about itself, and it is the historic faith of the Christian church. The Bible is not merely a collection of human writings but the inspired Word of God. It is the ultimate authority for our faith and practice, guiding us in every aspect of our lives.
The Bible comprises two main parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament prophets received their information from God and communicated it to the people of Israel. The New Testament Apostles received a direct call from Christ and were given His authority to speak on His behalf. They are Christ’s emissaries, and their words are the words of Christ. Knowing the backstory plays an essential role in gaining a complete understanding of how the Bible functions today.
In summary, the doctrines of inerrancy and infallibility are the foundation of our faith in Christ. These doctrines affirm the Bible’s trustworthiness as God’s inspired Word. We must embrace these doctrines to trust the reliability of the Bible, which is how God speaks to us. The Bible is not merely a human document but the Word of God. It is our primary source of knowledge about God and His will for our lives.
All sources for this series are listed here: https://debbieswindell.wordpress.com/2019/05/30/excited-to-share/
Debbie Swindell 