Quest. 12: What is meant by the “inerrancy” of Scripture?

Quest. 12: What is meant by the “inerrancy” of Scripture?

Ans: The “inerrancy” of Scripture means that the Scriptures are free from error and wholly true in every respect.

Jn. 17:17. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Also see: 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20–21.

COMMENTARY

Because the Bible is the inspired and authoritative Word of God, it is infallible and inerrant. The term “inerrancy” [without and incapable of error] dates from the nineteenth century when the trustworthiness of the Scriptures in historical and scientific matters was questioned. This term was added to the term “infallibility” as a further test of orthodoxy.

Some have tried to satisfy the charges of rationalistic biblical criticism and modern science and at the same time seem orthodox by attempting to hold to a “salvific” inerrancy [that the Scriptures are only true and trustworthy as they pertain to the truth of salvation, while alleging that they do contain historical and scientific errors]. This view is nothing more than a relativistic view of Scripture—a subtle accommodation to unbelief—and is in itself an inherent denial of inerrancy. If the Scriptures contained any error, such would be a reflection upon the veracity of God. He either could not or would not give us his Word without error.