Don Stewart :: Does the Bible Testify to Its Own Inerrancy?

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Yes. Although the term inerrancy is not found in Scripture the doctrine of inerrancy logically follows what the Bible says about God and itself. This can be seen in the following ways.

1. It Is Consistent With God's Character

The idea that Scripture is without any error is consistent with the character of God. If Scripture contains the communication of God to humanity, it can be logically inferred that its contents will reflect the perfect nature of God. The Bible emphasizes that God is true. Paul wrote to the Romans:

Although everyone is a liar, let God be proved true (Romans 3:4).

Furthermore, The Bible says that God cannot lie. Paul wrote.

In the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began (Titus 1:2).

The writer to the Hebrews said.

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged (Hebrews 6:18)

The Scriptures repeatedly affirm the truth of God.

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

He is a God of truth and light. If the Bible is His Word, it must reflect His attributes.

The authors of Scripture make it clear that they are recording the Word of God. The people were told not to add to or subtract from that which God commanded.

You shall not add to the word which I command you nor take anything away from it (Deuteronomy 4:2).

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians:

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

3. The Word Of God Is Always True

The Bible also testifies that the Word of God is always true.

I, the Lord, speak righteousness, I declare the things that are right (Isaiah 45:19).

In Proverbs it says.

Every word of God is pure . . . Do not add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar (Proverbs 30:5,6).

The Psalmist wrote.

The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times (Psalm 12:6).

Scripture, Therefore Must Always Be True

If all Scripture is breathed-out by God, then the Scripture, being the product of God, must also be true. Paul wrote.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16).

The Book of Psalms records that:

All your words are true (Psalm 119:160).

God's Word is not only true it is the ultimate standard of truth. In the Old Testament we read.

Now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are truth, and you have promised this good thing to your servant (2 Samuel 7:28).

Jesus said.

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth (John 17:17).

Scripture does testify to its own inerrancy. There are three concepts in the Scripture that speak to this issue. First, God is also true - He cannot lie about anything. His character is absolute perfection. Second, the Bible is clearly the Word of God. Finally, God's Word is always true. Add to this the Word of God is the ultimate standard of truth.

The logically result of these truths is that God's Word is without error in everything that it says.