Is the Bible Infallible?
The word “infallible” is defined as that which is incapable of failing; certain. The Bible is inerrant which means it is without error. God’s Words are uttered without any mixture of falsehood. The Lord declares, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This includes both the Old and the New Testaments.
The apostle Peter states, “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). The Bible is the very thought of God communicated to men. Its power lies in the life breathed into them by God Himself. It adequacy to fulfill every need of man, testifies to its divine authorship.
True prophecy is a revelation from God. The initiative comes from God. He decides what shall be revealed and what shall remain hidden. Unless the Holy Spirit impresses the mind, a person is not able to prophesy. Prophets were the Holy Spirit’s mouthpiece, and thus under divine guidance. They were not to state their thoughts into the messages that were given to them for the benefit of God’s people.
The apostle Peter testifies, “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). Peter and the disciples gained their firm beliefs concerning the mission of Christ from the way in which His life fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (Acts 2:22–36; 3:18; 4:10, 11, 23–28).
This knowledge, added to their personal relationship with Him during His earthly ministry (1 John 1:1–3), gave them a firm foundation for their Christian faith. With this knowledge, they shared their convictions with the world. Christ’s representatives today have the same mission to fulfill.
The Perfect Word of God
Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:14). He was perfect and so is His Word (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 5:9; 7:28). God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Therefore, He is the ladder from earth to heaven. By His humanity, He touches this earth. And by His divinity, He touches heaven.
The Bible makes a man “wise unto salvation” (2 Timothy 3:15). “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6 also Proverbs 30:5). The Psalmist declares, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).
God’s Word is “alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The original work of the Bible is perfect but that doesn’t mean that the human factor in translation is free from mistakes.
The Lord has especially guarded His Word. To those who learn to rely upon it, it becomes a perfect shield and protection. “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him” (Proverbs 30:5). The Bible is God’s manual for salvation. It is infallible, inerrant, and reliable.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
