The Evangelical Doctrine of Inspiration and Inerrancy—Restated -- By: Bobby Hayes

Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 01:2 (Aug 1997)
Article: The Evangelical Doctrine of Inspiration and Inerrancy—Restated
Author: Bobby Hayes


The Evangelical Doctrine of Inspiration and Inerrancy—Restated

Bobby Hayes

Ph. D. Candidate Tyndale Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX

The following article is a restatement of the evangelical doctrines of inspiration and inerrancy. Although there is nothing new here that has not been stated before in books and articles on the subject, the editors believe that it is important to keep these vital doctrines before our readers. This is especially important in light of the fact that more and more seminaries and denominations are softening on these truths.

Introduction

This I have learned to do: to hold only those books which are called the Holy Scriptures in such honor that I finally believe that not one of the holy writers ever erred.

Letter from Augustine to Jerome

The Scriptures have never erred. The Scriptures cannot err. It is certain that the Scripture cannot disagree with itself. It is impossible for that Scripture should contradict itself, only that it so appears to the senseless and obstinate hypocrites.

Martin Luther

Throughout the ages of the church we have seen doctrinal disputes arise as the church was challenged to define the orthodox position on many different issues. Early in the life of the church the Arian heresy arose questioning whether Jesus Christ was equal in essence with the Father. Some held that Jesus was a created being higher than man, yet lower than God. Others said that he was the God-man, the creator of the universe. To settle the issue, Constantine summoned a general assembly of bishops to meet at Nicea. The results of the council were what is now known as the Nicene Creed. It states that the Son is “Very God from Very God, begotten not made, of one substance

(homoousios, consubstantial) with the Father, through whom all things were made…”1

Despite this controversy, and many others that arose, there has been one constant held by the majority of Bible teachers and believers down through the centuries. From the earliest days of the church the Scripture was held to be inspired and inerrant. Apart from a few minor exceptions, the Scripture was held in the highest regard. It was not until the more recent centuries that doubt began to emerge as to the trustworthiness of our Holy Writ. Today we are in a battle on all fronts for this foundational doctrine.

The major denominations that for centuries have held to full inerrancy and inspiration of Scripture, are now slowly abandoning their position. Many schoo...

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