Inspiration and Inerrancy of the Bible

Why can the words of the Bible be considered as the Word of God? This question was discussed by a lot of scholars in different periods of history.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Inspiration and Inerrancy of the Bible specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus, there are some main religious principles on which this discussion and possible considerations of the Bible as the Word of God can be based. Theologians are inclined to determine such significant aspects as the question of the authority of Scripture, the problem of inspiration and inerrancy and their relationship. The question of the authority of the Bible is one of the most controversial issues for Christians. Their faith is based on their trust in the words written in the Bible as the source of God’s will. The evidences of the fact that the Bible is the authoritative source of the Word of God are given in the biblical text itself. It is written here that all the words of the Bible were inspired by the Holy Spirit. That is why this text is not only the representation of God’s will but also the Word of God itself. â€Å"All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness† (2 Tim. 3:16 ESV). As it was stated, the words of the Bible were inspired by God. However, what can be considered as the inspiration in the Bible? The inspiration of the Bible has the divine origin and realizes according to God’s will through His Word in the Bible. According to Peter, â€Å"No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit† (Pet. 1:21 ESV). Moreover, â€Å"long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets† (Hebr. 1:1 ESV). Elwell states in his diction ary that â€Å"the Bible is from God and his character is behind it, it must be inerrant and infallible† (Elwell 2001, 158). Thus, the question of the biblical inspiration is closely connected with the problem of the biblical inerrancy.Advertising Looking for research paper on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Bible is inerrant because it is the Word of God which is written by the inspired prophets. That is why the biblical inerrancy can be discussed along with the infallibility. All the words in the Bible should be considered as the truth according to this principle. â€Å"The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever† (Psalm 119:160 ESV). Elwell discusses four arguments for inerrancy of the Bible. The biblical and historical arguments can be considered as the most significant. According to these arguments, â€Å"the Bible teaches its own inspiration, and this requires inerrancy† and moreover, the Bible’s â€Å"authority can only be justified by or grounded in inerrancy† (Elwell 2001, 157). It is impossible to speak about the biblical inspiration without references to the biblical inerrancy. Thus, â€Å"in each period of the church’s history one can cite clear examples of those who affirm inerrancy† (Elwell 2001, 158). Inerrancy of the Bible can be affirmed by a lot of historical facts. The epistemological and slippery slope arguments prove the evidences of the first two arguments. Thus, from the point of epistemological argument â€Å"inerrancy guaranties the incorrigibility of every statement of Scripture† (Elwell 2001, 158). That is why the words of the Bible can be justified by the fact of the biblical inspiration. Thus, the relationship between inspiration and inerrancy is rather obvious. We can conclude that there cannot be errors in Scripture because it is inspired by God. That is why we organize our life according to God’s revelation. We trust in the Word of God written in the Bible and consider it as authoritative. Our attitude to the relationship between inspiration and inerrancy determines the main principles of our life. Reference List Elwell, Walter A., ed. 2001. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. USA: Baker Academic.  The Holy Bible. English Standard Version. USA: Crossway Bibles. This research paper on Inspiration and Inerrancy of the Bible was written and submitted by user Harlow Hebert to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.