THEOLOGY - The Series

Good morning!  Here is the second question and answer to my NANC theology exam.  Have you ever wondered what infallibility means?  How does it relate to authority?  In Question 2, I will answer what that relationship is...

BIBLIOLOGY

Question 2: What is the relationship between infallibility and authority?

Infallibility, which is a synonym for inerrant, means to be without error regarding either assertions or denials even in matters of history and science.  Authority means that the Bible has the right to command what I do (and not do) and what I think (and what I should not think.)[1]

Since the Bible is infallible, it is linked to authority because it is true in all of its claims.  Jesus Himself testifies that God’s Word is true in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”  Jesus assures us that His Word is true.  Second Timothy 3:16-17 says, “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 competent, equipped for every good work.”  If all Scripture is true and is inspired by God, then it has all authority.  Infallibility and authority go hand in hand, and you cannot have one without the other.  They are both necessary in Scripture and since Scripture explains that it is sufficient for all things pertaining to life and godliness, 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence,” then I can be confident that the Bible has all authority for all areas of life.  Another way of explaining the Bible’s infallibility is by the fact that: 1) God cannot lie.  Romans 3:3-4 says, “What if some were unfaithful?  Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?  By no means!  Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”  God is true and faithful.  2) God is the author and perfector of the Bible. Second Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21.  Therefore, since God cannot lie and he is the author of the Bible, the Bible is infallible.  

Second Peter 1:19-21 states, “And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in the dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all that 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.”  This passage helps to define the relationship between authority and infallibility because Peter is very clear about the source of Scripture which is God the Father by the Holy Spirit’s direction.  Since the source of Scripture is from God Himself, and God is the source of all truth and that Scripture is truth (John 17:17), it follows that the whole of Scripture is authoritative and is infallible.  If God’s Word were not infallible or authoritative, then we would be a people without hope (Psalm 19:7-11).  The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:13-19, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.  We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.  For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”  The Bible records the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His rising from the dead and His ascension into heaven.  He then sent the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing the believer’s residence in heaven with Him.  If the Bible is not authoritative or inerrant, then believers are to be pitied most of all people because our hope rests in the truth of the Gospel and in all of Scripture.

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[1] Rob Green, BCTC, Bibliology, Track 5