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What does the Bible say about the inerrancy vs. infallibility of the Bible?

What does the Bible say about the inerrancy vs. infallibility of the Bible?
Redemption Theology

TL;DR:

The Bible affirms both the inerrance and infallibiilty of God's Word. Infallibility, the idea that Scripture cannot err, logically means that the Bible is inerrant, i.e., it contains no errors in its original manuscripts.

what does the bible say?

"Infallible" and "inerrant" are both used to describe the Bible. The Bible's infallibility means that it cannot err. Scripture's infallibility leads to the logical conclusion of its inerrancy—that it is without error. The Bible attests to both. Many passages of the Bible speak of the eternality of God's word (Psalm 119:89; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24-25; Matthew 24:35). Though many other things change, Scripture does not; it is the same today as it will be forever. The Bible also testifies to its own inerrancy. It is described as "perfect," "sure" and "true" (Psalm 19:7; Proverbs 30:5-6). Jesus referred to God's word as "truth" (John 17:17). Paul described it as "God breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16); since God is perfect, so is His Word. The Bible is both infallible and inerrant, the perfect guide for our lives.

from the old testament

  • The infallability of Scripture means that it is incapable of being wrong. According to the psalmistm, God's "word is firmly fixed in the heavens" (Psalm 119:89). The eternality of God's Word shows that it can never be wrong, affirming its infallibility.
  • Isaiah likewise indicates the everlasting truth of God's word as contrasted with nature, which changes: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever" (Isaiah 40:8; cf. 1 Peter 1:24-25).
  • The infallibility of the Bible implies its inerrancy. In the original writings, Scripture is without error. David calls God's law "perfect" and "sure" (Psalm 19:7).
  • Proverbs 30 indicates that "Every word of God proves true" (Proverbs 30:5a) and warns against adding to God's word (Proverbs 30:6a). Any human addition would make the perfect imperfect.

from the new testament

  • When prophesying the signs of His Second Coming, Jesus affirms the infallibility of Scripture by saying, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Matthew 24:35).
  • In praying to the Father, Jesus says, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17b), identifying Scripture as inerrant.
  • Paul indicates that Scripture is a guide for our lives because it is "breathed out by God" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Because God "breathed out" His Word, it cannot have error (v. 16).

implications for today

"You missed a spot." Someone pointing out a flaw in work you thought was done is frustrating. But the reality is that human beings can't achieve perfection in cleaning or anything else. We always miss a spot. God never does, though. By nature, He is perfect. And the words He has "breathed" out are, too.

The infallibility and inerrancy of God's Word means that it's a reliable guide for how we should live. It tells us who God is, His love for us, and what our ultimate end will be. Yet, God's Word becomes less than a coffee table book in people's homes, another item collecting dust. This is true not only of secular homes, but of Christian ones. A daily discipline of reading and meditating on the greatest books ever compiled can change your life for the better.

So next time you're tempted to doom scroll your phone during your morning coffee, pick up the infallible, inherent words of truth, gifted from the Almighty Creator.

understand

  • God is infallible; He cannot err.
  • God's Word is also inerrant, meaning that it is without error.
  • Scripture's infallibility points to its inerrancy and makes it a reliable guide for our lives.

reflect

  • How does knowing God's Word will not change and will last eternally impact how you read it?
  • In what areas of your life do you struggle to fully trust the Bible as completely true and reliable?
  • How would your decisions look different if you consistently treated Scripture as perfectly trustworthy and without error?

engage

  • Why are inerrancy and infallibility important for how Christians understand and trust the Bible?
  • How is the Bible distinct from other religious texts?
  • How should Christians respond when others question or challenge the reliability of Scripture?

More Resources

Salvation Do we need to believe in the inerrancy of Scripture to be saved?

Do we need to believe in the inerrancy of Scripture to be saved?

Salvation is not contigent on fully understanding or articulating the doctrine of biblical inerrancy. However, because the gospel comes from Scripture, rejecting its trustworthiness seriously risks undermining the very message that brings salvation.
Salvation Is belief that the Bible is inerrant a requirement to be saved?

Is belief that the Bible is inerrant a requirement to be saved?

Salvation simply requires putting our faith in Jesus, not understanding and believing in the inerrancy of Scripture. With that being said, understanding and believing that God’s Word as absolutely true is integral to our growth in Christ.
Studying the Bible Are only the original manuscripts of the Bible inerrant?

Are only the original manuscripts of the Bible inerrant?

God’s inerrant Word is powerful, living, and active. God has given us all we need to live an abundant, godly life.
Studying the Bible Is it important to believe in biblical inerrancy? Why?

Is it important to believe in biblical inerrancy? Why?

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.