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

Quick answer

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.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Getting “saved” is explained in Romans 10:9-10, which says: "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." While biblical inerrancy is a core belief in the Christian faith, it is not a requirement to be saved. Moreover, Ephesians 2:8-9 confirms that faith in Christ, not our works, saves us. Even so, believers need God’s Holy Word to guide us in how to be more like Christ.Psalm 19:7-8 points to both the inerrancy of Scripture and its necessity for holy living. Moreover, the reason God’s Word is perfect is because He is, and since He inspired men to write the Bible, we know it is trustworthy (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Second Peter 1:20-21). Only Jesus saves (John 3:16), but when we believe in Him, the Bible guides us in how to become more like Him and lead lives that reflect that.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

As Psalm 19:7-8 proclaims: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes...” God’s word is not only without fault, but within its pages are truths that can make us wise, engender joy, understand how to live in purity, and open our eyes to deeper spiritual knowledge.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior is the one and only way to salvation (John 3:16). Getting saved is simple with no extra-biblical requirements.

Romans 10:9-10 lays out how we can be saved. While we must believe in Jesus, this does not mean we have earned our salvation. Jesus earned our salvation when He died a horrible death on our behalf and then arose from the dead—-conquering death.

Salvation isn’t based on our works, it is based on the grace that God has supplied to us through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Scriptures are inerrant because they are God-breathed, inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Because God is perfect, so are His inspired teachings. We must take His Word as truth and apply it to our lives.

We cannot rightly claim that the Bible is a fictional or even historical, yet flawed, book made up by men. Second Peter 1:20-21 reveals, "no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." Though men physically wrote the Bible, it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the words in its pages.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Salvation typically takes place sometime before a person has learned about biblical inerrancy and its importance. Since salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) and not based on our works, believing in the inerrancy of Scripture is not required to be saved. However, this by no means diminishes the importance of understanding and accepting the inerrancy of Scripture. The very teachings that help us understand how to be saved are in the Bible. Without God’s Word, we would have little understanding of who God is or His plan for our lives. Moreover, the Scripture is revelation from God. Although even someone who doesn’t understand biblical inerrancy can be saved, reading and studying the Bible helps believers to grow spiritually. As they do so, they will learn about the inerrancy of Scripture and its importance. They can then inspire others to come to faith and maturity in Jesus Christ.

UNDERSTAND

Salvation comes only through faith in Christ.

The Bible is God’s inspired Word, and biblical inerrancy is a key tenant of true Christianity.

Reading and studying the Bible enables spiritual growth.

REFLECT

What part has the Bible played in your spiritual maturity?

How does knowing the Bible is “God-breathed” impact your study of it (2 Timothy 3:16)?

How do you respond to those who say they are Christian but believe the Bible is a “book written by men”?

ENGAGE

What are some extra-biblical requirements for salvation that some religions promote?

How can local churches encourage their congregations to regularly study the Bible without giving the impression that it is a requirement for salvation?

What evidence can believers use to show the Bible as the inspired word of God?