Module One: Week One
Topic: The Inerrancy of Scripture
Prompt: “How would you define inerrancy? What is the biblical argument for it? Why is
the doctrine of inerrancy at the heart of our faith?”
Response:
Define Inerrancy: The term “inerrancy” describes the nature of the Bible. This not only refers to
the Bible, as originally given by God, being without error but also to its inability to err. When
considering the term inerrancy, the words of the apostle Paul, when writing to his pupil, Timothy,
immediately come to mind: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth,
convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living” (2 Timothy 3:16, Complete
Jewish Study Bible). Here, Paul is clear about his view of God’s word as “God-breathed,”
illustrating that the words written within the pages of the Bible are directly from the mind of
God.
Furthermore, Paul’s words, here in his letter, align with the teachings of DeYoung: “If you ever
think to yourself, ‘I need to know what is true—what is true about me, true about people, true
about the world, true about the future, true about the past, true about the good life, and true about
God,’ then come to God’s word. It teaches only what is true.”1 Both Paul and DeYoung clearly
state what is meant by the term, inerrancy — absolute truth. Thus, the term inerrancy states that
the Scriptures, as originally given by God, are not only without error or fault in all their
teachings but are incapable of error.
1Kevin DeYoung, Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough,
and What That Means for You and Me (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014), 17. Logos Bible Software.
Biblical argument for inerrancy: The Bible is clear when it comes to its own claims about its
nature and authority, and there are several key verses which point to the fact that the Bible is the
divinely inspired, infallible word of God. As stated above, the Bible claims to be inspired by God
Himself, in 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth,
convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living.” If the Scriptures are God-
breathed, then they bear the authority and truthfulness of God Himself, who, according to the
apostle Paul, “does not lie” (Titus 1:2).
God’s character is of the utmost importance when considering the inerrancy of Scripture. If God
is trustworthy, the Bible is trustworthy. Paul is not the only author within the library of Scripture
to declare that God is trustworthy. Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as completely truthful
and trustworthy. Numbers 23:19 declares, "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human
being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not
fulfill?" If God cannot lie, then His Word, the Bible, must also be completely truthful.
Moreover, as DeYoung highlights, in Psalm 119 one can find several essential characteristics
about God’s word. One of these is that God’s word is true. “Like the psalmist, we can trust in the
word (v. 42), knowing that it is altogether true (v. 142).”2 Psalm 119:89 states, "Your word
continues forever; ADONAI, firmly fixed in heaven." The psalmist’s view of the enduring and
unchanging nature of God's word suggests its infallibility and immutability.
2 Kevin DeYoung, Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and
What That Means for You and Me (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014), 17.
Overall, the doctrine of inerrancy is rooted in the nature and character of God. The Bible is God's
revelation to humanity, and as such, it reflects His perfect character and truth, providing a solid
basis for understanding God's will and His relationship with His creation. This means that the
Bible, in its original manuscripts, is completely true and reliable in all matters it addresses.
Why is the doctrine of inerrancy at the heart of the Christian faith?
The doctrine of inerrancy upholds the belief that the Bible is the ultimate authority for Christian
faith and practice. If the Scriptures contain errors or falsehoods, then their authority is
undermined, and there is no firm foundation for belief or moral guidance. The Bible is God's
revelation to humanity. Inerrancy asserts that God, being perfect and truthful, accurately
communicates His message for humanity, through Scripture. Any errors in the Bible would call
into question all that Christianity stands upon and the very character of God Himself.
Moreover, Christian doctrines, such as the nature of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ,
and the means of salvation, are all derived from Scripture. Foundational truths, such as
eyewitness testimonies to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ are found within the writings
of the Bible. Inerrancy ensures the accuracy of these teachings. While the primary purpose of
Scripture may be spiritual and theological, it also addresses historical matters. In the words of
DeYoung, “From the very beginning, Christianity tied itself to history. The most important
claims of Christianity are historical claims, and on the facts of history the Christian religion must
stand or fall.”3 Inerrancy affirms the reliability of Scripture in these areas, demonstrating that the
Bible's teachings do not contradict established facts or reason.
Overall, the doctrine of inerrancy is vital to the Christian faith because it ensures the
trustworthiness, reliability, and authority of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. All of
Christianity hangs upon the words within Scripture as it is used for guiding believers through
their journey with God. If the Bible is not trustworthy, then upon what does the believer base
their faith?
Replies
James,
I hope and pray that the peace and the love of Christ are eternally yours, especially as you pursue
His kingdom being brought to earth and the furtherance of your education, for the glory of our
Father. Great work on your thread, this module. The arguments that you have laid out in support
of the inerrancy of Scripture are truly wonderful. It honestly amazes me how similar the
foundation for your argument is to my own. As we both have so clearly stated, the words of
Scripture are, in fact, the words of God, Himself. There is no doubt, at least in my mind, both
Old and New Testament authors were led by the Holy Spirit. Consider the fulfillment of
prophecies found in the Old Testament, particularly those concerning the life, death, and
resurrection of Jesus. These, alone, provide solid evidence for the divine inspiration and accuracy
of Scripture. Furthermore, “the Jesus story—the transfiguration primarily, but presumably also
the rest of the gospel story he passed down—is in the category of historical, verifiable fact, not
3 Kevin DeYoung, Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and
What That Means for You and Me (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014), 32.
impressions, or inner experiences, or stories invented to make a point.”4 While mankind may
create their own “gospel” and misrepresent the words within Scripture, the Scriptures,
themselves, do not and cannot lie. As you stated so well, despite being written by several authors
over a span of centuries, the unity and consistency of Scripture underscores the reality that its
true author is God, Himself.
Lynzee,
I pray that God will strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, as you
pursue Him and an education. Excellent work responding to this week’s discussion. I enjoyed
reading your thoughts. I especially appreciated how you highlight the sanctifying nature of God’s
word. We are constantly being shaped and formed by the world around us, whether we know it or
not. However, if we hold fast to the truth and believe in it, the enemy nor the world will shake us.
Much like Jesus, during His time in the wilderness, if we trust in the inerrancy of God’s word,
we will be more than able to resist the temptations life brings. If we truly, genuinely believe that
the Scriptures are “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16, Complete Jewish Study Bible), we will cling
to them, knowing that they bring life. We will no longer be shaped by the world, but by the
Word. Furthermore, as we live our lives, we can rest assured that we know the way which God
desires us to go. Just as Jesus said to devil, “It is written.” “Every single one of us can hear from
God today, right now, at this very moment. God still speaks. And he has a word for us that is
4 Kevin DeYoung, Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary,
and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014),
32.
sure, steady, and unerring.”5 In the words of our Lord, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on
every word that comes from the mouth of ADONAI” (Matthew 4:4). May we believe. Blessings
to you and yours and may Christ dwell in your heart through faith. I hope and pray that the peace
and the love of Christ are eternally yours.
5 Kevin DeYoung, Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary,
and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014),
28.
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