Theological Term of the Week: Infallibility of Scripture

infallibility of scripture

The attribute of the Bible whereby it is incapable of teaching any error, since it is breathed out by God who cannot lie. 

• In scripture: 

[I]t is impossible for God to lie … (Hebrews 6:18 ESV)

Every word of God proves true  … (Proverbs 30:5 ESV)

• From The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy:

Article XI. WE AFFIRM that Scripture, having been given by divine inspiration, is infallible, so that, far from misleading us, it is true and reliable in all the matters it addresses. WE DENY that it is possible for the Bible to be at the same time infallible and errant in its assertions. Infallibility and inerrancy may be distinguished, but not separated.

Article XII. WE AFFIRM that Scripture in its entirety is inerrant, being free from all falsehood, fraud, or deceit. WE DENY that Biblical infallibility and inerrancy are limited to spiritual, religious, or redemptive themes, exclusive of assertions in the fields of history and science. We further deny that scientific hypotheses about earth history may properly be used to overturn the teaching of Scripture on creation and the flood.

Learn more:

1. Aaron Armstrong: Inerrancy and Infallibility: What’s the Difference?
2. Kevin Gardner: Defining Our Terms
3. Robert Plummer: Is the Bible inerrant or infallible?
4. Ligonier Ministries: Infallibility and Inerrancy
5. Ligonier Ministries: The Power and Infallibility of Scripture

Related terms:

• authority of scripture
• autographs
• inerrancy of scripture
• inspiration of scripture

Filed under Scripture

Do you have a a theological term you’d like to see featured as a Theological Term of the Week? Email your suggestion using the contact button in the navigation bar above. 

Clicking on the Theological Terms button above the header will take you to an alphabetical list of all the theological terms.