2024-02-11 - Doctrines of: Inerrancy, Authority & Clarity of Scripture

Inerrancy, Authority & Clarity of Scripture

Intro:

This morning we are going to look at another Bible Doctrine. So far over the past Bible Doctrines, we have been covering God’s Revelation. We have broken it down thus far into:

General Revelation

Special Revelation

Inspiration of Scripture

Today will be Inerrancy, Authority & Clarity of Scripture

Next month will look at Illumination and Preservation of Scripture, this will conclude God’s Revelation.

Link:

Inerrancy of Scripture

Definition: Inerrancy refers to the belief that the Scripture is completely truthful, without any mixture of error, in all its teachings, no matter what subject it addresses. Believing the Scriptures to be inerrant does not preclude the biblical authors’ inclusion of observations from a human observer, the use of round numbers, unusual grammatical constructions, or varying perspectives on a particular event. It does mean, however, that Scripture is an infallible guide to salvation and that it is truthful in all that it affirms (Matt. 5:18; John 10:35; Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18).

Passage:

Matthew 5:18 “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

John 10:35 “If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken),”

Titus 1:2 “in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,”

Hebrews 6:18 “that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.”

2. Authority of Scripture

Definition: Since the Bible is the inspired Word from God, God’s special revelation to humanity, the Bible is the ultimate standard of authority for the Christian. Because it is truthful in everything that it teaches, Scripture is humanity’s source for wisdom, instructing us on how to live life well to the glory of God. Submitting to the authority of Scripture means that we are to believe and obey God by believing and obeying His Word.

3. Clarity of Scripture

Definition: Because God gave us His Word as authoritative in all matters related to life and faith, we believe His Word was written in a way that can be understood with the help of the Holy Spirit. Believing the Scriptures are clear does not mean that every part is equally easy to interpret, neither does it mean we will never make mistakes in our interpretation. It does mean that with God’s help, people are capable of understanding the biblical text for themselves as they employ correct methods of interpretation.

Resource Links:

https://www.esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/the-reliability-and-authority-of-the-bible/

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/authority-inerrancy-scripture/

https://bible.org/seriespage/chapter-one-authority-bible

https://gospelproject.lifeway.com/why-call-bible-authority/

https://www.gotquestions.org/sole-authority-faith-practice.html - Point 2, Authority of Scripture, Sola Scriptura