The Process Of Human Translation (Part 3) Series

4. Alister E. McGrath proposes: "An important element in any discussion of how scripture is inspired, and the significance which is attached to this, is 2 Timothy 3:16–17, which speaks of scripture as 'God-breathed' (theopneustos)". According to McGrath, "the reformers did not see the issue of inspiration as linked with the absolute historical reliability or factual inerrancy of the biblical texts." He says further, "The development of ideas of 'biblical infallibility' or 'inerrancy' within Protestantism can be traced to the United States in the middle of the nineteenth century." [46] — Wikipedia.org/Biblical inerrancy. However,

5. Several Anglican Biblical Scholars have set forth their views regarding the Bible's inspiration. Observe,

a. First, S. R. Driver holds a contrary view, saying that: "(As) inspiration does not suppress the individuality of the biblical writers, so it does not altogether (neutralize) their human infirmities or confer upon them immunity from error." [53] — Wikipedia.org/Biblical inerrancy. Similarly,

b. Second, J. K. Mozley, an early 20th-century Anglican theologian, likewise argues: "The Bible being inspired is, indeed, a primary Christian conviction; it is from this that certain consequences have been drawn, such as infallibility and inerrancy, which retain their place in Christian thought because they are held to be bound up with the affirmation of inspiration. However, the deductions about inspiration can be accepted with clarity. Neither 'fundamentalists' nor skeptics are to be followed at this point...the Bible is inspired because it is the adequate and indispensable vehicle of revelation. Still, inspiration does not amount to dictation by God.” [54]—Wikipedia.org/Biblical inerrancy.

NOTE: I have allowed Wikipedia.org to present the thoughts and writings of contemporary writers and scholars on Biblical Inerrancy and Infallibility. Let's turn again to biblical writers. Matthew Henry wrote regarding the infallibility of the scriptures. Observe this faithful student of the Bible.

6. He penned: “What is the excellency of the scripture? It is given by the inspiration of God (v. 16) and, therefore, is his word. It is a divine revelation we may depend upon as infallibly true. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us breathes revelation among us: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1. 21.” –First,

a. “The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. That the scripture was given by inspiration of God appears from the majesty of its style.” –Further,

1) “The truth, purity, and sublimity of the doctrines contained in it.”

2) “The harmony of its several parts.”

3) “Its power and efficacy on the minds of multitudes that converse.” –Next,

b. With it, from the accomplishment of many prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight, and” –Finally,