Is it important to believe in biblical inerrancy? Why?

TL;DR:

Either all of the Bible is true and inerrant, or none of it is. It is important to believe in biblical inerrancy because its truth impacts our lives now and for eternity.

Biblical inerrancy is extremely important. Christianity rests upon whether the words that are the basis of our faith are true. This issue reflects on the character of God and is foundational to our understanding of everything the Bible teaches. The Bible itself claims to be perfect and without error (Psalm 19:7). It was written by forty different authors over a period of 1500 years. The odds of all sixty-six books agreeing on one central theme is astronomical, yet there are no contradictions or errors – even in the last few centuries of its many translations.

Further, if any part of the Bible did contain errors, we would have reason to distrust the God who inspired its pages. But just as God is perfect, we can expect His word to be just as trustworthy.

from the old testament

God’s word is pure (Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5).
God’ law is perfect (Psalm 19:7).
God’s word always accomplishes its work (Isaiah 55:10-11).

from the new testament

Jesus’ works and others’ testimony bear witness about Him (John 5:31-40).
God’s word is truth (John 17:17).
All Scripture is the very breath of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Scripture is inspired by God, not man (2 Peter 1:21). Since God is perfect and He inspired it, then it also must be perfect.

implications for today

Biblical inerrancy means we can trust God’s Word as true and without error, but that does not mean that we are to stop using our minds to better understand or interpret Scripture. We are commanded to study the Word (2 Timothy 2:15). Those who search the Scriptures are commended (Psalm 1:1-2; Acts 17:11). Also, we recognize that there are difficult passages in the Bible, as well as sincere disagreements over interpretation. Our goal is to approach Scripture reverently and prayerfully. When we read something we don't understand, we seek an answer from God through prayer and research. We turn to the Author for a deeper understanding of His perfect Word.

The Bible is perfect; we are imperfect. As the writer of Hebrews asserts, "For the word of God . . . judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12, NIV). Notice the relationship between "the heart" and "the Word." The Word examines; the heart is being examined. The Bible calls us to live according to its ways, not question whether its ways are worth following. As Romans 9:20 says, "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?" When we trust in biblical inerrancy, we seek the truth and seek to apply it to our lives, knowing that it’s God’s Word to us.

The Bible is our only rule for faith and practice. If it's not reliable, then on what do we base our beliefs? Jesus asks for our trust, and that includes trust in what He says in His Word. In John 6:67-69, Jesus had just witnessed the departure of many who had claimed to follow Him. Then, He turns to the twelve apostles and asks, "Do you want to go away as well?" At this, Peter speaks for the rest of the disciples: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Peter's conviction should be ours, too. We are to see the Lord as having the words of life. There's no other source.

understand

Biblical inerrancy asserts that the Bible is free from errors and contradictions.
Biblical inerrancy reflects God's perfection; if God is flawless, His inspired Word must also be trustworthy and true.
Biblical inerrancy does not mean we blindly believe what the Bible says, but we seek to understand it knowing we are fallible and God is not.

reflect

How does believing in biblical inerrancy impact your view of God's character and His trustworthiness?
In what ways has your understanding of Scripture changed as you grappled with the concept of inerrancy?
How do you approach difficult passages in the Bible when seeking to understand their meaning in light of biblical inerrancy?

engage

Biblical inerrancy applies specifically to the original manuscripts of the Bible. At the same time, the Bible versions we have are very close copies, trying to best translate from the original languages. While existing copies may have minor discrepancies, they do not affect key biblical doctrines, as the core teachings are intact despite small variations.
How do historical and archaeological findings support or challenge the belief in biblical inerrancy?
How can we balance the belief in inerrancy and still acknowledge differing interpretations among believers?