Originally Published by The Aquila Report: https://theaquilareport.com/defending-the-scriptures/
Biblical inerrancy, the belief that the Bible is without error, is an essential teaching in the church today. Often, this topic divides orthodox, more traditional, and conservative denominations from those of liberal opinions.
The reader is most certainly aware of the tenets of the Protestant Reformation, where the idea of Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) played an integral part in the breakoff of the Roman Catholic Church. The great reformers remained unapologetic and defended the authority of Scripture over mankind, as well as human and church traditions. The reformers knew that church traditions mattered, but only in the context of biblical teachings.
The Bible contains several verses that underscore the reliability, usefulness, and authority of Scripture:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
Bible-believing Christians acknowledge that the Bible is the written Word of God, directly inspired by Him and His form of communication to today’s generations. Any Bible student should not be too surprised that the Scriptures lay the foundation of the faith, as God placed an important role in written communication in earlier textual encounters. We should look no further than Moses being commanded to “write down” the commandments and share them with the Jews.
Paul underscored the importance of Scriptures deriving from God, writing, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
The Bible is our direct communication with God. It provides teachings, worship standards, songs of praise, and Christian fundamentals of life. Nineteenth Century Church Historian J.H. Merle D’Aubigne wrote:
If an audacious hand raise a sword against the Scriptures of God, or begin to dig a mine below them, then-citizens of the city of God,-then to arms! The enemy is at the door! Forward armies of the Lord! Pray, fight, and, rather than permit the ramparts of the Lord to be touched, die on the spot. We must defend the Scriptures or perish.[1]
D’Aubigne, a fervent supporter and researcher of the Reformation, knew well that the Scriptures were laid as the foundation of the faith and the standards for the body of Christ. While the Western world, for the time being, can freely possess and study its Scriptures, not everyone across the world is so lucky. Studying the Reformation challenges us to meditate on the importance and reverence of the Bible. Many martyrs have died to embrace Sola Scriptura. This is a challenge for us today: to uphold the sacred Scriptures and treat them as the living Word of God. D’Aubigne argued, “If there is no Word of God in the world, there is no salvation,”[2] adding, “Without this holy, this living Biblicism, there cannot be a saving communication of eternal truth.”[3]
Allow us never to become complacent in this ever-changing world. The Bible is the core of our tradition, teachings, and faith. We should ponder daily on the concept of Sola Scriptura and continue the fight to defend and, most earnestly, proclaim the truth found inside the Word of God.
[1] J.H. Merle D’Aubigne, The Authority of God: Four Discourses, (Harrisonburg: Sprinkle Publications, 2008), 179.
[2] Ibid, 181.
[3] Ibid.
