The Holy Scriptures

Divine Origin and Authority of Scripture

Confessional Text

The Bible is the inerrant², infallible³, clear and authoritative word of God⁴, which came from God⁵ through divinely inspired men⁶.

Scriptural References

[2]

Psalm 19:7

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul

[3]

Matthew 5:18

For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled

[4]

1 Thessalonians 2:13

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God

[5]

2 Peter 1:21

For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit

[6]

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

All scripture quotations are from the ESV (English Standard Version).

Historical & Theological Background

Throughout church history, the divine origin and complete trustworthiness of Scripture has been affirmed by all orthodox Christians. The early church fathers, the Reformers, and historic confessions (Westminster, 1689 Baptist, 39 Articles) all maintained that the Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word. This confession stands in that historic line, affirming that Scripture is not merely a human book containing religious insights, but the very Word of God breathed out by the Holy Spirit through human authors.

African Contextual Commentary

In Africa, where oral tradition has historically been highly valued, the written Word of God provides an unchanging, objective standard of truth. Many African Christians have faced pressure to elevate personal prophecies, dreams, or visions to the same level as Scripture. This statement affirms that while God may work through various means, only the Bible carries absolute divine authority. African believers must test all claimed revelations against the written Word, as the Bereans did in Acts 17:11.