Henry B. Smith, Jr.
As our readers know, ABR works in the field of archaeology to demonstrate the historical reliability of the Bible for the purpose of edifying the church and providing evidence to sincere skeptics so that they may consider and accept the truth-claims of the Christian faith. Foundational to our ministry is the certain knowledge that the Bible has been given by the Spirit of God and is absolutely infallible and inerrant.
Throughout the centuries, Christians have attempted to systematize Biblical teaching for the purpose of deepening their understanding of God’s holy word. One such vehicle is the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy,1 developed in the 1970’s by a group of evangelical Christian scholars. It was an attempt to convey the Bible’s teaching regarding its divine nature, infallibility and other related matters. The Chicago Statement is a helpful tool in teaching and communicating a proper understanding of what inerrancy actually does and does not mean.
Since ABR primarily works in the field of archaeology, an endeavor to reconstruct the ancient past using a variety of scientific means, the importance of Biblical inerrancy cannot be overstated. Without an inerrant Bible, the entire Christian belief system is logically subjected to criticism and will likely be dismissed by individuals who understand the logical connection between an errant Bible and rejecting the message of the Gospel. Let us briefly examine some features of this important doctrine spelled out in the Chicago Statement which relate most directly to the mission of ABR.
Article IX
We affirm that inspiration, though not conferring omniscience, guaranteedtrue and trustworthy utterance on all matters of which the Biblical authors were moved to speak and write. We deny that the finitude or fallenness of these writers, by necessity or otherwise, introduced distortion or falsehood into God’s Word.
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.
Article XIII
We affirm the propriety of using inerrancy as a theological term with reference to the complete truthfulness of Scripture. We deny that it is proper to evaluate Scripture according to standards of truth and error that are alien to its usage or purpose. We further deny that inerrancy is negated by Biblical phenomena such as a lack of modern technical precision, irregularities of grammar or spelling, observational descriptions of nature, the reporting of falsehoods, the use of hyperbole and round numbers, the topical arrangement of material, variant selections of material in parallel accounts, or the use of free citations.
Article XVIII
We affirm that the text of Scripture is to be interpreted by grammatico-historical exegesis, taking account of its literary forms and devices, and that Scripture is to interpret Scripture. We deny the legitimacy of any treatment of the text or quest for sources lying behind it that leads to relativizing, dehistoricizing, or discounting its teaching, or rejecting its claims to authorship.
Article XIX
We affirm that a confession of the full authority, infallibility, and inerrancy of Scripture is vital to a sound understanding of the whole of the Christian faith.
We further affirm that such confession should lead to increasing conformity to the image of Christ. We deny that such confession is necessary for salvation. However, we further deny that inerrancy can be rejected without grave consequences both to the individual and to the Church.
I have attempted to highlight points which are most relevant to this editorial, although each word in the statement is important. Articles XI, XII and XIII speak directly to the ministry of ABR as it relates to the areas of archaeology and Biblical history. When Scripture makes straightforward, propositional statements, they should be taken at face value and are absolutely true and infallible. No amount of human effort through archaeology or any other field can overturn what God has spoken.
Article XVIII addresses exegesis, and the important principle of using Scripture to interpret Scripture. This is especially important in evaluating unclear passages. Various cults have twisted these types of passages and built entire movements based upon faulty exegesis.
Article XIX expresses the deep concern that, while not impugning upon salvation itself, rejection of inerrancy is a slippery slope that leads to destruction for both the individual and the Church. It is the most important spiritual battlefield of the 21st century and is being ignored by the Church at large. Here at ABR, we cannot emphasize enough the serious temporal and eternal consequences of rejecting Biblical inerrancy. Merely observing the state of the church in Western Europe provides ample extra-Biblical evidence to substantiate this claim. Those who claim to know Christ yet reject inerrancy are perilously flirting with danger and should immediately turn from such a position in repentance and ask God to help them trust every “jot and tittle” (Mt 5:18, Lk 16:17)of the Scriptures. Accepting the fallible opinions of fallen and sinful men over the very Word of God is dangerous and a serious spiritual matter. As Jesus proclaimed, “the Scripture cannot be broken.” (Jn 10:35).
Each of us should search our hearts and ask God to reveal any unbelief we may hold regarding His Word. Because of the deceptive nature of our hearts (Jer 17:9), each of us should automatically assume we possess unbelief that needs to be confronted.
As you read this issue of Bible and Spade, give praise to God for giving us His perfect and special revelation, ultimately designed to reveal eternal salvation through Jesus Christ that is so desperately needed by all humanity. Lastly,
The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, depends not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.2