23. The Inerrancy and Authority of the Bible

The doctrine of the inerrancy and authority of the Bible asserts that the Scriptures, as originally written, are without error in all that they affirm, and that they hold ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. Inerrancy emphasizes that God’s word, being divinely inspired, is completely accurate and trustworthy. Authority, on the other hand, refers to the Bible’s supreme and final say in all areas of human life, guiding both individual beliefs and the corporate life of the Church.

Scriptures Supporting the Inerrancy and Authority of the Bible:

2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV):
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
- Interpretation: This verse emphasizes the divine inspiration behind Scripture. It teaches that all of the Bible is God-breathed and that it serves a vital purpose in guiding believers in doctrine and life.
2 Peter 1:21 (KJV):
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
- Interpretation: The Bible’s authority comes from God through the Holy Spirit, showing that the prophets and apostles did not write of their own volition but were guided by God, ensuring the reliability and truth of the Scriptures.
Matthew 5:18 (KJV):
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
- Interpretation: Jesus affirms the permanence and authority of the Scriptures, even down to the smallest details, indicating their inerrant nature.
John 17:17 (KJV):
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
- Interpretation: Jesus declares God’s word to be the ultimate truth, solidifying its authority in the life of the believer.
Psalm 119:160 (KJV):
“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”
- Interpretation: The psalmist expresses that God’s word is true from the start and endures throughout eternity, underlining its enduring authority and truth.
Isaiah 40:8 (KJV):
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
- Interpretation: This passage emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s word, pointing to its inerrancy and lasting authority.
Matthew 24:35 (KJV):
“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
- Interpretation: Jesus asserts the eternal and unchanging authority of His words, supporting the view of Scripture’s inerrancy and ultimate authority.
Romans 15:4 (KJV):
“For whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
- Interpretation: The Scriptures were written for the benefit of believers, ensuring that the Bible’s teachings are divinely given and reliable for spiritual guidance.

Scriptures Sometimes Cited Against the Inerrancy and Authority of the Bible:

Psalm 137:9 (KJV):
“Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.”
- Interpretation: Critics argue that such verses are troubling and do not seem consistent with the concept of a loving, inerrant God. However, this verse is often understood in its historical and poetic context rather than as a prescriptive statement of divine will.
1 Corinthians 13:9-10 (KJV):
“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
- Interpretation: Some argue that this implies that the Scriptures are not yet fully complete or perfect. However, traditional Christian views interpret this as referring to the partial nature of prophetic knowledge before the full revelation of Christ, not as a criticism of Scripture’s authority.
Galatians 3:19 (KJV):
“Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.”
- Interpretation: Some claim this shows that the Old Testament law was temporary and imperfect, but others see it as confirming that all of Scripture serves a divine purpose in God’s redemptive plan.
John 7:38 (KJV):
“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
- Interpretation: This verse is cited by some to argue that Scripture is not necessarily infallible but rather points to the living Word (Christ). However, traditional interpretations assert that Jesus is affirming the authority of Scripture.
2 Peter 3:16 (KJV):
“As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”
- Interpretation: Critics sometimes use this to argue that parts of the Bible are difficult to interpret, but it actually underscores the importance of careful study and respect for the Scriptures, confirming their authority.
Acts 15:19-20 (KJV):
“Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.”
- Interpretation: Some use this passage to argue that the apostolic council’s decisions were authoritative and could override other Scripture, which challenges the doctrine of inerrancy. However, this is seen as a specific directive for a particular time.
Matthew 19:7-8 (KJV):
“They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.”
- Interpretation: This verse is used by some to show that the law of Moses had concessions due to human imperfection, which some interpret as undermining the inerrancy of Scripture. However, this reflects God’s accommodation of human weakness, not an error in the Bible.
Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV):
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.”
- Interpretation: Critics argue that the closing warning in Revelation reflects the potential for error or misunderstanding in the interpretation of Scripture. However, traditional views interpret this as a warning against altering the text, not as evidence of Scripture’s inerrancy being compromised.

The Doctrine of the Inerrancy and Authority of the Bible in Light of Translations

The inerrancy and authority of the Bible is intricately tied to the original languages in which the Scriptures were written: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. As we examine these languages, we explore the debates surrounding translation accuracy, the role of these translations in shaping doctrine, and the challenges that arise in interpreting ancient texts for modern readers.

1. The Original Languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek

The Bible was primarily written in Hebrew (Old Testament), Aramaic (in a few sections of the Old Testament), and Greek (New Testament). Each language brings its own nuances, which have given rise to debates on the best way to translate the Bible for contemporary audiences.

Hebrew (Old Testament)

Accuracy and Nuance: Hebrew is an ancient Semitic language, and its structure can sometimes differ significantly from modern languages. One example is the Hebrew word “אֱלֹהִים” (Elohim), which is typically translated as “God” but can also be used for “gods” or “judges” in certain contexts (e.g., Psalm 82:1, “God [Elohim] standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods [Elohim]”). The nuances of this term affect the understanding of the nature of God in specific contexts.
Psalm 119:160 (KJV):
“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”
- Interpretation: The Hebrew term “emeth” (אֱמֶת) means “truth” or “faithfulness.” While this term is often translated as “truth” in English, it carries deeper connotations of reliability and trustworthiness. Understanding this in the context of God’s eternal and inerrant word is crucial to grasping the Hebrew’s full meaning.
Challenges: One challenge in translating Hebrew is the use of idiomatic expressions that do not directly translate into English or other modern languages. For example, “the arm of the Lord” (Isaiah 51:9) refers to God’s power, but translating this phrase without understanding its cultural significance could lead to misinterpretation.

Aramaic (Portions of Old Testament)

Aramaic was a lingua franca during the time of the Babylonian exile, and portions of the Old Testament, including parts of the books of Daniel and Ezra, were written in Aramaic. Some scholars believe Aramaic provides insights into the cultural context of the time, and it also shares many similarities with Hebrew.

Daniel 2:4 (KJV):
“Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.”
- Interpretation: The term “Syriack” here refers to Aramaic. Understanding Aramaic’s influence on the biblical text is important, especially when interpreting prophetic or historical sections, as it provides context for how certain words and phrases were understood by contemporary readers.

Greek (New Testament)

The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, a form of Greek that was widely spoken and understood across the Eastern Mediterranean world during the time of Christ and the apostles. The use of Greek for the New Testament has led to various debates over the centuries, particularly regarding translation accuracy and doctrinal implications.

John 1:1 (KJV):
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
- Interpretation: The Greek term “λόγος” (Logos) is deeply significant in Christian theology. It carries connotations of divine reason or order and was a concept familiar to Greek philosophers. In Christian theology, it signifies the pre-existent Christ, underscoring both His divinity and His eternal nature. The accuracy of translating “Logos” as “Word” is debated, but it is an appropriate term in the context of biblical revelation.
Matthew 16:18 (KJV):
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
- Interpretation: The Greek word “πέτρος” (Petros) is masculine and refers to “a stone” or “a rock,” while “πέτρα” (petra) refers to a large, immovable rock. The distinction between these two words is often cited in debates regarding the papacy. Some argue that “rock” refers to Peter himself, while others contend that it refers to the faith that Peter confessed. The subtleties in Greek word choice are significant for doctrinal interpretations.
John 14:16 (KJV):
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.”
- Interpretation: The Greek term “παράκλητος” (paraklētos) is often translated as “Comforter,” but it can also mean “Advocate” or “Helper.” The choice of translation can influence theological perspectives, especially regarding the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.

Translation Challenges in Greek Texts

Context and Interpretation: Greek can express subtle differences in meaning through word choice, tense, and case. A prime example is the debate over the translation of “ἐκκλησία” (ekklesia) as “church” or “assembly” in Matthew 16:18. Translating this as “church” carries specific ecclesiological implications, but “assembly” could refer to a gathering of believers, without necessarily implying an institutional church structure.
Accuracy of Greek Manuscripts: One of the major debates surrounding the accuracy of the Greek New Testament is the issue of manuscript variance. The New Testament was transmitted through many manuscripts, some of which are considered “better” or more reliable than others. There are disagreements about which manuscripts are the most faithful to the original autographs, particularly when it comes to minor variants in wording. For example, the passage in 1 John 5:7-8, known as the “Comma Johanneum,” appears in some manuscripts but is absent in the earliest and most reliable manuscripts, leading to debates over its authenticity. 1 John 5:7-8 (KJV):
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”
- Interpretation: The Comma Johanneum is important in Trinitarian theology, but its authenticity is debated due to its absence in early Greek manuscripts.

2. Translation to English and Other Modern Languages

The process of translating the Bible from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into English and other modern languages is fraught with complexities. The major English translations, such as the King James Version (KJV), New International Version (NIV), and English Standard Version (ESV), all aim to be faithful to the original texts, but they differ in their approach.

Formal Equivalence vs. Dynamic Equivalence: Formal equivalence strives for a word-for-word translation, as seen in the KJV, while dynamic equivalence focuses on translating the meaning of phrases in a way that is understandable in the target language, as seen in the NIV. Critics argue that formal equivalence can lead to archaic or difficult phrasing, while dynamic equivalence may sacrifice nuance in favor of readability.
The KJV and Its Translation Philosophy: The KJV is known for its formal equivalence approach, and many hold that it maintains a high degree of accuracy. However, it relies on the Textus Receptus, a Greek text that is not considered as reliable by some modern scholars, who prefer the Alexandrian text type (based on earlier manuscripts). Additionally, the KJV uses older English terminology, which may obscure the original meaning for modern readers.
Issues in Translation: Some translations wrestle with words that have no direct equivalent in the target language, leading to debates about which translation best conveys the original meaning. For example, the Greek word “δικαιοσύνη” (dikaiosynē) is often translated as “righteousness” or “justification,” but its full theological meaning requires careful consideration of its context. Romans 3:22 (KJV):
“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”
- Interpretation: The term “righteousness of God” has been the subject of much debate, with some seeing it as God’s own righteousness, while others see it as the righteousness that comes from God to the believer through faith.

Summary of the Analysis

The debates surrounding the inerrancy and authority of the Bible in relation to translations are complex and multifaceted. The primary issue lies in the tension between maintaining the integrity of the original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek) and making the text accessible to modern readers. The challenges include the limitations of translation, manuscript variations, and differing theological interpretations that arise from subtle language nuances. While the doctrine of inerrancy holds that Scripture is without error, this doctrine must be understood in light of the linguistic and historical contexts in which the Bible was written. Each translation carries its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and the role of the translator in preserving the integrity of the original text is critical in maintaining the Bible’s authority and inerrancy.

Denominational Views on the Inerrancy and Authority of the Bible

The doctrine of the inerrancy and authority of the Bible is interpreted differently across various Christian denominations. Below is a summary of each denomination’s position, followed by relevant scriptural quotes, including Hebrew and Greek words, along with interpretations from the King James Version (KJV).

1. Roman Catholic Church

View: The Catholic Church teaches that the Bible is divinely inspired and authoritative but does not subscribe to the doctrine of absolute inerrancy. They maintain that the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church) is the final interpreter of Scripture and that the Bible is infallible in matters of faith and salvation.
Debates For:
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV):
  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “θεόπνευστος” (theopneustos), translated as “given by inspiration of God,” highlights the divine origin of Scripture. The Catholic Church uses this passage to affirm the Bible’s authority in guiding doctrine and practice.
Debates Against:
- 2 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV):
  “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
  - Interpretation: The phrase “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” in Greek (“ἰδίας ἐπιλύσεως” – idiās epilyseōs) emphasizes the need for authoritative interpretation. Catholics argue that this does not necessarily mean inerrancy but rather the need for ecclesiastical authority in interpreting Scripture.

2. Eastern Orthodox Church

View: Like the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church believes in the inspiration and authority of the Bible but places a strong emphasis on Sacred Tradition. They do not claim absolute inerrancy for the Scriptures but regard them as trustworthy in matters of faith and salvation.
Debates For:
- Matthew 5:18 (KJV):
  “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
  - Interpretation: The word “jot” (“ἰῶτα” – iota) refers to the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and “tittle” (“κεραία” – keraia) refers to a small mark or stroke used to distinguish letters. This illustrates the importance of every detail in the law and supports the idea of Scripture’s lasting authority.
Debates Against:
- 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV):
  “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
  - Interpretation: The Greek phrase “ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας” (orthotomounta ton logon tēs alētheias) means “rightly dividing the word of truth.” The Orthodox view emphasizes that the Bible requires careful interpretation, guided by Tradition, rather than relying solely on individual readings.

3. Evangelical

View: Evangelicals strongly affirm the inerrancy and authority of the Bible, holding that the Scriptures are without error in all they teach and that the Bible is the ultimate guide for faith and practice.
Debates For:
- 2 Peter 1:21 (KJV):
  “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “φερόμενοι” (pheromenoi), meaning “moved,” implies that the prophets were carried along by the Holy Spirit, ensuring the accuracy and divine authority of Scripture.
Debates Against:
- Matthew 24:35 (KJV):
  “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
  - Interpretation: The Greek phrase “οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ” (ou mē parelthē) means “shall not pass away,” underlining the eternal and inerrant nature of Christ’s words, which Evangelicals apply to the entire Bible.

4. Protestant (General)

View: Most Protestant denominations affirm the Bible as the ultimate authority for faith and practice. While many adhere to sola scriptura, they may differ on the extent of inerrancy. Some hold to a strict view of inerrancy, while others see the Bible as authoritative but allow for human error in non-doctrinal matters.
Debates For:
- John 17:17 (KJV):
  “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “ἀλήθεια” (alētheia) means “truth.” Protestants emphasize that God’s word is the ultimate truth, guiding all matters of faith.
Debates Against:
- Romans 3:19-20 (KJV):
  “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “νόμος” (nomos), meaning “law,” often leads to debates over whether the law (and by extension, the Bible) is an error-free revelation or one that can be misinterpreted and applied differently under different covenants.

5. Baptist (Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist, etc.)

View: Baptists, particularly within the Southern Baptist Convention, uphold the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible. They teach that all Scripture is divinely inspired and without error.
Debates For:
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV):
  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
  - Interpretation: The word “θεόπνευστος” (theopneustos) in Greek means “God-breathed,” a strong endorsement of the Bible’s divine origin and inerrancy.
Debates Against:
- Matthew 16:18 (KJV):
  “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church…”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “πέτρος” (Petros) refers to “a small stone,” and “πέτρα” (petra) refers to a larger, immovable rock. Debates over whether this refers to Peter himself or his confession as the “rock” of the church have implications for the authority of Scripture.

6. Methodist (United Methodist, AME, etc.)

View: Methodists believe in the authority of Scripture but allow for some flexibility in interpretation. They do not teach absolute inerrancy but see the Bible as the inspired word of God, guiding believers in faith and salvation.
Debates For:
- Romans 15:4 (KJV):
  “For whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
  - Interpretation: The word “γράμμα” (gramma) in Greek refers to “writing,” underscoring the Bible’s importance for instruction and guidance.
Debates Against:
- 1 Timothy 3:15 (KJV):
  “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “στήριγμα” (stērigma) means “pillar” or “support.” Methodists see the Church as playing an interpretive role in guiding believers, alongside Scripture.

7. Lutheran (Missouri Synod, ELCA, etc.)

View: Lutherans uphold the authority of Scripture but differ on the concept of inerrancy. The Missouri Synod affirms a high view of inerrancy, while the ELCA is more flexible, allowing for human error in certain sections.
Debates For:
- Psalm 119:160 (KJV):
  “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”
  - Interpretation: The Hebrew word “אֱמֶת” (emeth), meaning “truth” or “faithfulness,” highlights God’s word as unchanging and authoritative.
Debates Against:
- Matthew 28:18 (KJV):
  “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “ἐξουσία” (exousia), meaning “authority,” emphasizes Christ’s supremacy, which some Lutherans interpret as including the Church’s role in interpreting Scripture.

8. Pentecostal (Assemblies of God, UPCI, etc.)

View: Pentecostals affirm the authority of Scripture and see it as divinely inspired. They believe in the direct revelation of the Holy Spirit through Scripture and the continued working of the Holy Spirit in interpreting the Bible.
Debates For:
- John 16:13 (KJV):
  “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “ἀλήθεια” (alētheia) refers to truth. Pentecostals emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into a full understanding of Scripture.
Debates Against:
- Acts 17:11 (KJV):
  “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.”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “ἀνακρίνω” (anakrinō) means “to examine or scrutinize,” stressing the need for personal study and discernment of Scripture.

9. Jehovah’s Witnesses

View: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe the Bible is the inspired and authoritative word of God but reject the doctrine of inerrancy. They believe that only the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ interpretation of Scripture is accurate.
Debates For:
- 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV):
  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine…”
  - Interpretation: The Greek word “θεόπνευστος” (theopneustos) affirms the Bible’s divine inspiration, but Jehovah’s Witnesses argue it must be interpreted according to their theology.
Debates Against:
- Matthew 28:19 (KJV):
  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
  - Interpretation: Jehovah’s Witnesses argue that the “name” (Greek “ὄνομα” – onoma) of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a symbolic phrase and not a literal trinitarian doctrine.

10. Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – LDS)

View: Mormons believe in the Bible as the word of God but also consider the Book of Mormon to be Scripture. They teach that Scripture can be reinterpreted and clarified through modern revelation.
Debates For:
- 2 Nephi 29:9 (Book of Mormon):
  “Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it is all.”
  - Interpretation: Mormons argue that the Bible is a part of God’s revelation but not the only source, emphasizing the ongoing authority of modern revelation.
Debates Against:
- Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV):
  “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book…”
  - Interpretation: The Greek phrase “προφητείαν τοῦ βιβλίου” (propheteian tou bibliou) stresses the finality of Scripture, countering the Mormon belief in ongoing revelation.

11. Seventh-day Adventist

View: Seventh-day Adventists uphold the authority of the Bible, especially in its teachings about the Sabbath, the second coming of Christ, and the investigative judgment. They believe in the inerrancy of Scripture but also emphasize the importance of interpretation within the Adventist framework.

Debates For:

Psalm 119:160 (KJV):
“Thy word is true from the beginning…”
- Interpretation: The Hebrew word “אֱמֶת” (emeth) highlights the trustworthiness and eternal nature of Scripture.

Debates Against:

Isaiah 8:20 (KJV):
“To the law and to the testimony…”
- Interpretation: The Hebrew word “תּוֹרָה” (torah) refers to the law, and Adventists emphasize that the law (including the Ten Commandments) is central to their faith and understanding of Scripture

Conclusion:

The doctrine of the inerrancy and authority of the Bible remains a deeply debated issue among Christian denominations. While many traditions hold to the Bible as inspired and authoritative, the extent of its inerrancy and the role of external authority (such as the Church or Tradition) vary significantly. Denominations like Evangelicals, Baptists, and Pentecostals affirm the Bible’s absolute inerrancy and authority as foundational to their faith. In contrast, groups such as Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and Methodists place importance on the Church’s interpretive role and Tradition, sometimes allowing for a more flexible understanding of Scripture. Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons introduce additional sources of revelation and reinterpret the Bible according to their doctrines, which can lead to a unique understanding of its authority.

In essence, while the Bible is universally accepted as sacred and inspired across Christian denominations, its inerrancy and the way it is interpreted depend largely on the theological framework of each tradition.

Summary Table: Denominational Views on the Inerrancy and Authority of the Bible

Denomination	View	Scripture Basis (For)	Argument Against	Scripture Basis (Against)
Roman Catholic	Bible is divinely inspired but requires interpretation by the Church.	2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV): “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”	Authority lies in Church Tradition, not the Bible alone.	2 Peter 1:20-21 (KJV): “No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation…”
Eastern Orthodox	Bible is authoritative, but must be interpreted in the light of Tradition and Church authority.	Matthew 5:18 (KJV): “One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law…”	The Church, not individual believers, has the right to interpret Scripture.	2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV): “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…”
Evangelical	Bible is inerrant, fully inspired, and the ultimate authority.	2 Peter 1:21 (KJV): “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”	Human error or doctrinal divergence should not affect the Bible’s inerrancy.	Matthew 24:35 (KJV): “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
Protestant (General)	Bible is authoritative but allows for varying views on inerrancy.	John 17:17 (KJV): “Thy word is truth.”	Some accept human error or flexibility in non-essential matters.	Romans 3:19-20 (KJV): “That every mouth may be stopped…”
Baptist (Southern, Independent, etc.)	Bible is inerrant and fully authoritative for faith and practice.	2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV): “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”	The human element of translation may introduce errors in non-critical parts.	Matthew 16:18 (KJV): “Upon this rock I will build my church…”
Methodist	Bible is inspired but open to interpretive flexibility, guided by the Holy Spirit.	Romans 15:4 (KJV): “Whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning…”	There may be interpretive flexibility, and not every passage is absolutely clear.	1 Timothy 3:15 (KJV): “The pillar and ground of the truth.”
Lutheran	Bible is authoritative, with inerrancy upheld in key doctrinal matters.	Psalm 119:160 (KJV): “Thy word is true from the beginning…”	Tradition and reason may help in interpretation, but it doesn’t override Scripture.	Matthew 28:18 (KJV): “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Pentecostal	Bible is inerrant and guided by the Holy Spirit for understanding.	John 16:13 (KJV): “The Spirit of truth… will guide you into all truth.”	Overemphasis on personal revelation may lead to subjective interpretations.	Acts 17:11 (KJV): “These were more noble… in that they searched the scriptures daily.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses	Bible is inspired but must be interpreted by Jehovah’s Witnesses’ theology.	2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV): “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”	Interpretation is based on the Watchtower’s teachings rather than individual study.	Matthew 28:19 (KJV): “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Mormonism	Bible is divinely inspired, but the Book of Mormon and other revelations are equally authoritative.	2 Nephi 29:9 (Book of Mormon): “Because ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it is all.”	The Bible is not complete without the Book of Mormon and modern revelation.	Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV): “If any man shall add unto these things…”
Seventh-day Adventist	Bible is the final authority, especially regarding Sabbath and prophetic truth.	Psalm 119:160 (KJV): “Thy word is true from the beginning…”	Interpretations on prophetic or doctrinal matters may differ from other traditions.	Isaiah 8:20 (KJV): “To the law and to the testimony…”

Summary:

This table provides an overview of how different Christian denominations view the inerrancy and authority of the Bible. While the majority affirm the Bible as divinely inspired, the degree of inerrancy and authority varies. Evangelicals and Baptists strongly affirm inerrancy, while Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox emphasize Tradition and the Church’s interpretive role. Pentecostals hold to the Bible’s inerrancy with an emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, while Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons introduce additional sources of revelation and reinterpret the Bible based on their unique doctrines. Seventh-day Adventists uphold the Bible’s authority but focus particularly on prophecy and the Sabbath. Each denomination’s view on Scripture is shaped by its broader theological framework, with varying emphasis on the role of Tradition, the Church, and modern revelation.