What does it mean that the Bible is infallible?

Answer

The term infallible denotes being “incapable of error.” When something is infallible, it is always correct and therefore completely reliable. Similarly, the term inerrant, also used in reference to Scripture, means “free from error.” In essence, the Bible is unfailing.

The Bible asserts its infallibility in 2 Peter 1:19, stating, “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable.” Peter goes on to explain the origins of Scripture: “No prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Furthermore, we find implications of infallibility in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, which states, “All Scripture is God-breathed” and leads to the equipping of God’s servants for “every good work.” The divine inspiration of Scripture ensures its infallibility, as God cannot produce error. The thorough preparation of God’s servants through the Bible demonstrates its guidance towards truth, not falsehood.

If God is infallible, then His Word must also be infallible. The concept of Scripture’s infallibility is rooted in the understanding of God’s perfect character. God’s Word is described as “perfect, refreshing the soul” «The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. », (Psalm 19:7) because God Himself is flawless. Theologically, God is closely linked to His Word; the Lord Jesus is referred to as “the Word” «And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. », (John 14:6; John 17:3), and so is His Word “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”, (John 17:17).

The Bible asserts complete (as opposed to partial) perfection in Psalm 12:6, Psalm 19:7, Proverbs 30:5, and various other places. It is consistently factual and, indeed, judges us (rather than vice versa), “The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” “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).

The Bible is the sole objective source of all God has provided us about Himself and His plan for humanity. As God’s infallible Word, the Bible is inerrant, authoritative, reliable, and sufficient to meet our needs.