The Bible: Infallibility by Ps Michael Podhaczky

This next feature involves the Bible never being at fault. This is called Infallibility, which is based on inerrancy. Although this word is not used in the Bible, it is crucial to an understanding of its trustworthiness as the only infallible principle of faith.[1] It deals with the reality that the Bible is “free from or incapable of error.”[2]

It proposes that the Bible is the only divine dependably true source of faith and doctrine (teaching). This truth is clear from verses like, (2 Sam 7:28; Ps 119:160; Jn 17:17; and Col 1:5). It is the only reliable, trustworthy and absolute basis of the believer’s faith and teaching. Jesus accepted the genuineness and trustworthiness of the Old Testament. In light of the infallibility of the Old Testament, He used it to reprimand Satan’s temptations, Lk 4:1-13.

Paul declared the Scripture to be from God, supporting its infallibility as God inspired all Scripture, 2 Tim 3:16,17. Paul quoted from what he called “the Scripture,” that is, “the writing,” (1 Tim 5:18). The two passages that made up this verse, one came from the Old Testament (Deut 25:4), and the other from the gospel of (Lk 10:7).

On this matter, Peter said that the Old Testament prophets spoke by the Holy Spirit, and specifically adds that they did not speak for themselves, 2 Pet 1:21. In (2 Pet 3:16) Peter used the phrase “the rest of the Scriptures” probably referring to the Old Testament. So, at this point, Paul’s and Peter’s writing may include some of the New Testament. So, there is a mutual acceptance of the writings of the Old Testament and the writings of the apostles as both coming from the breath of God through the hands of people. So in the end,

“‘…the inward work of the Holy Spirit’ produces ‘our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority’ of Scripture.”[3]

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[1] Geisler, Norman. Systematic Theology: Introduction and Bible. Vol. One. (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2002), 246.

[2] Hernando, James D. Dictionary of Hermeneutics: A Concise Guide to Terms, Names, Methods, and Expressions. (Springfield, MO: GPH, 2005), 161.

[3] Horton, Michael. Pilgrim Theology: Core Doctrines for Christian Disciples. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 53.