Inerrancy: The Book of Revelation -- By: Mal Couch

Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 05:15 (Aug 2001)
Article: Inerrancy: The Book of Revelation
Author: Mal Couch


Inerrancy: The Book of Revelation

Mal Couch

President & Professor of Theology & Languages
Tyndale Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX

Though the process was often painful and argumentative, the early church groped forward to discover which books belonged in the New Testament. The various bishops and church leaders wanted to be certain in their recognition of the canonical writings. They considered only those books that showed all the markings of truthfulness, accuracy, apostolic authorship, and inspiration by the Holy Spirit. The idea of inerrancy was not so much discussed separately. The books of the New Testament were preserved for our spiritual benefit by the divine superintendence of the Spirit of God. The evidence clearly indicates the book of Revelation is a part of the Word of God!

This installment ends the three-year series on the doctrine of inerrancy. This biblical teaching is still being attacked by the liberal-minded critics who oppose the Scripture’s lucid teaching on revelation and inspiration. It is hoped that this series has helped in an understanding of the truthfulness and integrity of the entire Word of God.

So far, this series on the inerrancy of Scripture has examined (1) the books of Moses, (2) the historical Old Testament books, (3) the poetry books, (4) the minor prophets, (5) the Gospels and Acts, (6) the Pauline epistles, (7) the general epistles, and (8) the book of Hebrews.

Review Of The Doctrine Of Inerrancy

The doctrine of inerrancy is actually an extension of the doctrine of inspiration. If the Holy Spirit has inspired the writers of Scripture and superintended their message, then it stands to reason that the message is without error. The written revelation reflects the thoughts of a holy God Who would speak to us only what is true.

Inerrancy extends only to the original autographs of the prophets and apostles. It does not cover the transmission and copying of the text. The following describes both inspiration and inerrancy.

Inspiration may be defined as the inward work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and minds of chosen men who wrote the Scriptures so that what was written was what He wanted. The Bible in all of its parts is free from all error in its original autographs. It is wholly trustworthy in matters of history and doctrine. However limited may have been their knowledge, and however much they may have erred when they were not writing sacred Scripture, the authors of Holy Writ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, were prevented from making factual, historical, scientific, or any other error.

Introduction

As the final book in the New Test...

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