Is the bible infallible? Is it perfect and without error? Most believers reactive answer to this would be “of course!” It would be beneficial, however to go a step beyond and remind ourselves WHY we venerate the bible (beyond cultural, religious considerations). For decades, even centuries our society and even Christian learning institutions have assailed without let up the idea of the scriptures being infallible, or without error. What do the scriptures in themselves say about their unique and special origin and nature? Do the scriptures in themselves insist that whatever canon God Himself would recognize is unique, perfect, without error or human influence? Consider the following verses and decide for yourself:
[2Pe 1:21 KJV] 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
[2Ti 3:16 KJV] 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[2Sa 23:2 KJV] 2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.
[Luk 1:70 KJV] 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
[2Ti 3:15-17 KJV] 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
[Mar 12:36 KJV] 36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
[Act 1:16 KJV] 16 Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
[Act 28:25 KJV] 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
[Heb 9:8 KJV] 8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
[Heb 10:15 KJV] 15 [Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
So it would appear that whatever documents are made reference to within the context of the scripture, are maintained to by written “by the Holy Ghost” and therefore without error. The only note I would add to that is we are talking about the original manuscripts (called autographs, theologically). Translations, including the KJV, NIV and others would not be inerrant or perfect – although they historically derive from copies of what ultimately began with original manuscripts. We see through a glass darkly then, but we DO see.
[2Ti 3:16 KJV] 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
[2Sa 23:2 KJV] 2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word [was] in my tongue.
[Luk 1:70 KJV] 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
[2Ti 3:15-17 KJV] 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
[Mar 12:36 KJV] 36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
[Act 1:16 KJV] 16 Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
[Act 28:25 KJV] 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
[Heb 9:8 KJV] 8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
[Heb 10:15 KJV] 15 [Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
So it would appear that whatever documents are made reference to within the context of the scripture, are maintained to by written “by the Holy Ghost” and therefore without error. The only note I would add to that is we are talking about the original manuscripts (called autographs, theologically). Translations, including the KJV, NIV and others would not be inerrant or perfect – although they historically derive from copies of what ultimately began with original manuscripts. We see through a glass darkly then, but we DO see.
