The Bible is both Infallible and Inerrant

Those of us who have the good sense to believe that the Bible is the Word of God often use the words Infallible, and Inerrant, on an interchangeable basis.  There is a tendency for preachers to say "The Bible is infallible", and a few sentences later the say "The Bible is inerrant".  In essence, there is nothing wrong with this; no major error has occurred - and the sky won't fall in!

However, to be strictly accurate, we need to recognise that there is a subtle difference between the two terms, as I will now explain.

The Bible is Infallible

When we say that the Bible is infallible we mean that it is the never failing, final authority, in all matters of faith and conduct.  That is, despite the way society changes in its attitudes, we stand by the Bible's teachings when it comes to what we should believe, and how we should live.

Two examples will suffice to explain what I mean:  many people today say that this country is a multi-cultural, multi-faith society and it is grossly intolerant to state dogmatically that there is only 1 way to Heaven.  However, the Bible clearly teaches that there IS only 1 way to be saved, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as our Lord and Saviour.  

Moreover, when it comes to conduct, society has undergone huge changes in the last 50-60 years, particularly in the realms of marriage and sexuality.  However, the Bible is clear when it teaches that marriage is 1 man to 1 woman, and sex should be within marriage.  Therefore, we stand by the Bible, not the ever changing rules of what is, and what is not, acceptable.

In the light of the foregoing, it is not erroneous to state that the Bible is infallible, BUT it does not go far enough.

The Bible is Inerrant

By the inerrancy of the Bible we mean that it is without error, not only in terms of belief and conduct, but also in terms of what is stated as fact.  In other words no provable scientific fact, no provable historical fact, no provable geological fact, no provable archaeological fact and no provable geographical fact, will ever contradict what the Bible says. 

I'm not stating that all we ever need to know in these fields comes from the Bible but, rather, that no provable fact, or discovery, in these fields, will be at odds with the Biblical record.

Over the years historians have questioned the veracity of the Bible with regards to places and people (for example cities, kings and rulers).  However, discoveries made by archaeologists have substantiated what the Bible says.  One example being the ancient city of Nineveh as mentioned in the book of Jonah.  "Such a place never existed", said historians - until its ruins were discovered!

What do we say then, in conclusion?

Firstly, we can have absolute confidence in the Bible as the Infallible and Inerrant Word of God and use the two terms together as it is both.

Secondly, given that it is God's perfect Word, we should commit ourselves to reading, studying, digesting and living it, on a daily basis; it is the very life-breath of the believer and, indeed, our spiritual oxygen for living out the Christian life.

Thirdly, we should, unashamedly hold it up for all to see and urge upon others the necessity of believing its central message viz. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" -  "repent, therefore, and be converted"  1st Timothy 1 v 15, Acts 3 v 19

2 "contradictions" in the Bible.

The opponents of the Bible often claim that it has contradictions.

Even many supposed "Christians" refuse to accept that it is infallible due to these alleged errors.  They gleefully trot out example, after example, of mistakes that prove, so they say, that although the Bible has some value, it is not to be taken seriously, and certainly not to be called the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God (also invincible and indestructible, but we'll leave that for another time!).

2 such "contradictions" are outlined below and, at first glance, it may appear that the Bible's detractors have a point; but on closer inspection it will be seen that, once again, the Bible comes up trumps!

The number killed in a plague 

In Numbers chapter 25, and the first 9 verses we read of a plague sent by God upon the Israelites for their gross immorality and idolatry.  Verse 9 tells us that 24,000 people died in that plague. When this incident is mentioned in 1st Corinthians 10 v 8 it states a figure of 23,000 slain.

The Bible's opponents react with glee at this supposed discovery, and experience what I call a "Gotcha" moment!  "These nutters who believe the Bible have a problem with this!!"  Not so, my friend, read carefully.  The Corinthians passage says that 23k died in 1 day.  It doesn't say that number died in the whole plague.  The answer to this supposed contradiction is simple, 24k died altogether, but only (?) 23k in 1 day, the others dying afterwards.

The look of chagrin on the unbeliever's face, at this point, would do credit to Mr Bean!

The payment made to Ornan/Araunah

Talking of plagues - another one was sent by God, this time as a judgement for David's pride in numbering the people. There are 2 account of this, in 2nd Samuel 24 and 1st Chronicles 21.

The plague went through the land and many died but it stopped above the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, also called Araunah,  David then paid a sum to purchase this.

However, the sum mentioned in the Samuel passage is 50 Shekels of silver, in the Chronciles passage, 600 shekels of gold.  Another "Gotcha" moment? Not so fast, my friend - read the 2 accounts carefully.  The 50 shekels of silver was for the threshing floor and oxen, the 600 shekels of gold was for the whole place, which would have been the surrounding land and buildings.

Again, our opponents slink away with their tails between their legs, and the Bible is shown to be what it truly is - the very Word of God!

We can have absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of the Bible, not only as our final authority in all matters of faith and conduct but as a tome that is historically accurate in every detail.

As Proverbs 30 v 5 says: "Every Word of God is pure"