Lecture on Biblical Inerrancy and Contradictions

Key Points

• Biblical Inspiration

  • 2 Timothy 3: All scripture is inspired by God, profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction.
  • Answers in Genesis' statement of faith: 66 books of the Bible are divinely inspired and inerrant.
  • Bible cannot err if it is God's word.

• Contradictions in the Bible

  • Definition: A contradiction implies both the truth and falsity of something simultaneously in the same sense.
  • Misinterpretations and apparent contradictions often arise from misunderstandings.

Common Misunderstandings

1. Difficulties are not Contradictions

   • Apparent contradictions can often be resolved with deeper understanding.

2. Creation Account in Genesis

   • Light was made on day one, the sun on day four.
   • Possible explanations include non-standard light sources.

3. Resurrection Accounts

   • Differences in the Gospel accounts of the resurrection do not constitute contradictions.
   • Different perspectives and focuses, not false narratives.

4. Verbal Disagreements and Equivocation

   • Example: "Covet not" in the Ten Commandments vs. "Covet earnestly" in the New Testament.

5. Bias vs. Contradiction

   • Skeptics often label prophecies as contradictions due to personal bias.
   • Example: Virgin birth prophecy in Isaiah and its fulfillment.

Reasons for Biblical Difficulties

• Disproving Collusion

  • Differences in Gospel accounts suggest authenticity over staged agreement.

• Encouraging Study

  • Difficulties prompt deeper exploration and understanding.

• Brevity and Summary

  • Bible presents a summarized view of events (e.g., Acts' account of early church history).

• Human and Divine Characteristics

  • Written by humans under divine inspiration, reflecting both characteristics.

Mistakes Critics Make

1. Presuming Guilt Until Proven Innocent

   • Criticism without evidence leads to misinterpretations.

2. Confusing Interpretation with Revelation

   • Misunderstanding figurative language or metaphorical expressions.

3. Neglecting Context

   • Not considering the broader context leads to apparent contradictions.

4. Partial Reports Aren't False

   • Different Gospel accounts depict different details but are not contradictory.

5. Citations aren't Always Exact

   • Paraphrasing in the Bible does not equate to contradictions.

6. Divergent Accounts aren't False

   • Different details in accounts (e.g., Judas’ death) can complement rather than contradict.

7. Non-technical Language Misunderstood

   • Everyday language (e.g., sun standing still) is not intended as scientific description.

8. Round Numbers

   • Use of round numbers (e.g., 185,000 Assyrians) is not inaccurate.

9. Literary Devices

   • Use of hyperbole, metaphor, or figures of speech (e.g., earth’s four corners) isn't literal.

10. Original Text vs. Copies

    • Textual variants exist, but they don't impact core doctrines.

Principles for Addressing Difficulties

1. Confidence in the Bible’s Author

   • Trust the divine inspiration of scripture.

2. Acceptance of Complexity

   • Acknowledge the limits of human understanding.

3. Awareness of External Skepticism

   • Recognize that many aim to undermine belief in the Bible.

4. Truth Over Personal Bias

   • Accept difficult truths even if they are unpalatable.

5. Constructive Engagement

   • Engage in dialogue without being confrontational.

6. Focus on the Evidences

   • Emphasize consistent evidence supporting biblical inerrancy.

7. Ongoing Study and Prayer

   • Continuous study and prayer can dissolve perceived difficulties.

8. Critical Thinking

   • Analyze issues with a biblical framework, not just surface details.

Conclusion

• Final Encouragement
  • Trust in the Bible’s integrity and divine inspiration.
  • Engage with the scriptures thoughtfully and prayerfully.
• Resources Available
  • Various books, DVDs, online resources through Answers in Genesis to further study and understanding.