What is Biblical Inerrancy?
Based on "How to Find a Courageous Church" - Page 4
Key Definition
Inerrancy is the shorthand, technical word for believing the whole Bible is without error in its original manuscripts. It affirms the full perfection and authority of Scripture.
Why Inerrancy Matters
When looking for a church, one of the first things to investigate is whether they believe in the "full perfection and authority of Scripture" or use the word "inerrancy." This is a closed-handed issue - something all Christians need to agree on to be Christian.
A church's view of Scripture determines everything else. If the Bible can contain errors, then any doctrine can be questioned. If the Bible is fully trustworthy, it provides the foundation for all Christian belief and practice.
What the Bible Says About Itself
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
Key Components of Inerrancy
- Divine Inspiration: The Bible is "God-breathed" - written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit
- Without Error: The original manuscripts (autographs) are free from error in all they affirm
- Full Authority: Scripture is the final authority on all matters of faith and practice
- Complete Revelation: The 66 books of the Bible comprise God's complete written revelation
Related Terms
Infallibility
The Bible is incapable of teaching error - it will not fail in its purpose to reveal God and guide believers.
Plenary Verbal Inspiration
Every word (verbal) of the entire Bible (plenary) is inspired by God, not just the ideas or concepts.
Sola Scriptura
"Scripture alone" - the Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
Sufficiency
Scripture contains everything necessary for salvation and godly living.
Warning Signs: Churches That Deny Inerrancy
Be cautious of churches that:
- Refer to the Bible as "containing" God's Word rather than "being" God's Word
- Treat Scripture as a "human document" subject to modern revision
- Use translations like the NRSV that change biblical language for ideological reasons
- Dismiss portions of Scripture as culturally outdated or irrelevant
- Place tradition, experience, or reason above Scripture as the final authority
Recommended Bible Translations
From the book, these translations are most common in churches that teach the Bible accurately:
Translations to Avoid
- New World Translation (NWT): Jehovah's Witness cult version that changes texts about Christ's deity
- NRSV: Changes biblical language due to feminist agenda
- Mormon additions: Book of Mormon and other texts contradict the Bible
How We Use This
On Righteous Fellowship, we check each church's statement of faith for affirmation of biblical inerrancy. Churches that clearly affirm inerrancy in their doctrinal statement receive a positive indicator for this essential doctrine. This is part of our Statement of Faith Parser analysis.
