Short Essay on Inerrancy and Inspiration

732 Words2 Pages

Most days are ordinary days, but it is in those days that God uses ordinary to be extraordinary. This is why 1 Peter 3:15 states, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (NIV). Likewise, a Christian should also be prepared to give (i.e.: a curious nosy jogger) a reason for studying the Bible based on its authoritative, inspired, and inerrant message. Therefore, the arguments for and against the Bible will be discussed.
According to Merriam-Webster, authority is defined as “a power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior.” In the New Testament, the Greek word exousia sometimes translated as power means to exercise a power held by right. This ‘right’ has its foundation in God himself for “there is nothing outside him on which his authority is founded.” 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (ESV). Therefore, Scripture has authority based on God’s chosen approach to reveal himself to man and interrelates with inspiration.
Inspiration of the Bible is not based on a mentally stimulating force, influence, or mood. Rather, biblical inspiration is grounded in God’s authoritative nature found in 2 Timothy 3:16. Moreover, the words “breathed out” affirm God’s creative authorship. Therefore, inspiration refers to the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit upon the authors of the Bible. These sacred writings, while involve man as an agent, are not based on human initiative. In fact, the prophetic accuracy of Scripture confirms divine initiative because “prophecy never had its origin ...

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...s subjective. While negating inerrancy does not directly link individuals and institutions to abandon clearly orthodox matters of doctrine, numerous cases support the argument. Many who have denied inerrancy have stepped into greater theological errors.
2 Timothy 3:16 upholds that the Bible produces valuable direction in living a Christian life. Living one’s life based on the authority, inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible brings about transformation. Without the Scripture being a God given absolute, truth erodes and man risks becoming god by interpreting the Bible according to his knowledge, which is limited.

Works Cited

Elwell, Walter A., ed. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 2nd ed. Baker Reference Library.
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001.

Merriam-Webster Online, s.v. “Authority.” accessed May 16, 2014, http://www.merriam- webster.com/

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