The question of whether or not one must believe in the inerrancy of the Bible in order to be saved is an important one for many Christians. There are differing views on this issue within the church. Some believe that affirming biblical inerrancy is absolutely essential for salvation. Others would say it is not required for salvation, though still important. Let’s explore what the Bible itself says about this topic.
Understanding Biblical Inerrancy
First, what exactly is meant by the “inerrancy” of Scripture? The doctrine of biblical inerrancy holds that the original manuscripts of the Bible were without error in everything they addressed, including matters of faith, science and history. The Bible is seen as fully trustworthy and authoritative in all that it asserts. This does not mean there are no difficulties in interpreting the text, but that the original autographs were free from error. Belief in inerrancy stems from the view that God directly inspired the human authors of Scripture in such a way that what was written under His guidance was His authoritative, infallible and inerrant Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Inerrancy in Church History
While inerrancy was assumed throughout much of church history, more formalized articulation of it arose during the modernist-fundamentalist battles of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Princeton theologian B.B. Warfield was a key champion of inerrancy against the anti-supernaturalism of theological liberalism. In 1978, the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy was formulated by leading evangelical scholars to clearly define and defend the doctrine against challenges to biblical authority arising from philosophical worldviews and higher criticism. This statement helped establish inerrancy as a standard view in evangelicalism.
Is Belief in Inerrancy Necessary for Salvation?
Views differ among Christians regarding whether affirming biblical inerrancy is required for salvation. Some make the case that it is absolutely necessary:
– God cannot err, therefore His Word cannot err. To deny inerrancy is to deny God’s truthfulness and trustworthiness.
– Believing Scripture has errors undermines its authority, which compromises the gospel.
– Inerrancy has historically been part of the faith confessed by the church.
– Rejecting inerrancy rejects biblical testimony about itself (e.g. Psalm 12:6, 119:96; Matthew 5:18).
– If we can’t trust some of Scripture, how can we trust any of it for salvation?
On the other side, some argue that while inerrancy is important, it is not a test for salvation or Christian orthodoxy:
– Scripture nowhere directly states that one must believe in inerrancy to be saved.
– Trusting fully in Christ as Savior is what is truly essential for salvation (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).
– One’s view of Scripture’s accuracy in minor details does not determine whether one has saving faith.
– Some aspects of bibliology are secondary issues that should not divide Christians.
– Inerrancy became a theological focus only relatively recently in church history.
Scriptural Evidence
Scripture itself does not appear to explicitly identify an inerrantist view of itself as an absolute requirement for salvation. However, it does display the following tensions:
Verses supporting biblical authority/trustworthiness:
– “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
– “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
– “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
– “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)
Verses focused on faith in Christ for salvation:
– “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
– “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31)
– “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
– “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
There are good biblical cases to be made on both sides of this issue. Scripture clearly reveals that God’s Word is absolutely true and authoritative. But the emphasis regarding the basis of salvation is on trusting in the finished work of Christ, not on one’s view of Scripture. While an inerrantist perspective may be a consistent corollary of divine inspiration for many, Scripture itself does not appear to explicitly make affirmation of inerrancy a prerequisite for salvation.
Historical Positions Among Christians
Historically, Christians have landing in different places regarding the necessity of inerrancy for salvation, often aligning with their overall view of biblical inspiration and authority:
- Fundamentalists/conservative evangelicals – Have tended to see inerrancy as an essential doctrine and required for salvation.
- Moderate evangelicals – Often affirm inerrancy but may not see it as a fundamental requirement for salvation.
- Mainline Protestants – Have questioned/rejected inerrancy yet still affirm salvific power of Scripture.
- Roman Catholics – Affirm inerrancy of Scripture but also see church teaching as authoritative.
- Eastern Orthodox – Emphasize sacred Tradition along with Scripture. Have not defined inerrancy dogmatically.
There is diversity of thought on this not just between but also within differing Christian traditions. Views range from absolutist to moderate positions on whether one must affirm inerrancy to be considered orthodox or evangelical.
Pastor and Scholar Perspectives
Looking at prominent pastors and scholars on the issue provides further insight.
John Piper, Wayne Grudem, R.C. Sproul, and other conservative evangelical leaders consider inerrancy essential and foundational to the Christian faith and a prerequisite for salvation. Piper states that denial of inerrancy surrenders the authority of God Himself.
On the other hand, Clark Pinnock, Peter Enns, and other moderate evangelicals question defining inerrancy so rigidly that it becomes a test for orthodoxy or evangelical authenticity. They argue for a more nuanced view that holds firmly to biblical authority while allowing scholarly examination of difficult texts.
Furthermore, respected evangelical institutions differ on whether inerrancy is required in their doctrinal statements. For example, Fuller Seminary recently dropped the requirement while Westminster Seminary has maintained inerrancy as an essential standard.
Dangers of Legalism
One concern is that making inerrancy a litmus test for salvation can lead to unhelpful legalism. Christians should distinguish primary doctrines clearly taught in Scripture from secondary issues where Bible-honoring believers disagree. Elevating doctrines not explicitly identified in the Bible as essential could divide believers, create pride/arrogance, add human rules to the simple gospel message, or hinder exploration of difficult questions out of fear. Truth withstands examination, but mandatory adherence to extra-biblical doctrines could undermine God’s grace and Christian unity.
Difficult Questions
A significant factor in one’s view of inerrancy can be how one approaches apparent discrepancies, errors or conflicting accounts within Scripture itself:
- Genealogies of Jesus differ in the Gospels. Which is right?
- Who exactly purchased the Potter’s Field?
- When/how many times did the rooster crow when Peter denied Jesus?
- Must Genesis creation be literal 6 days or allow longer periods?
Non-inerrantists believe examining these issues with historical-critical analysis rules out the Bible being without any error at all. Inerrantists counter that there are reasonable explanations reconciling alleged discrepancies without compromising Scripture’s trustworthiness. But some people struggle over particular difficulties in a way that leads them to question strict inerrancy. This does not mean they reject the Bible’s authority; but shows the issue is complex.
Conclusion
In summary, there are thoughtful cases on both sides of this issue within orthodox Christianity. Affirming biblical inerrancy has merit in consistently upholding Scripture’s divinely inspired truthfulness. However, making this a fundamental test for Christian faith could go beyond what Scripture itself requires for salvation. One’s view on this should not be quickly conflated with their overall regard for biblical authority. There is room for discussion and discernment for Christians who love Scripture but have different perspectives on inerrancy. The gospel invitation is to place one’s trust in Christ, not a particular doctrine about the Bible. While inerrancy remains an important issue, it need not be a dividing line between believers who hold fast to Jesus as Lord and Savior.