Can the Bible Be Trusted?

I received this question in an email from England: "My friend believes you should believe what your spirit tells you above the scriptures because not all scripture is divinely inspired. My question is, is the Bible infallible?"

Infallibility of the Bible

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17).

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Pet. 1:20-21).

Jesus said: Sanctify them in the truth; Your word (logos) is truth (Jn. 17:17).

Jesus said: Has it not been written in your Law, 'I SAID, YOU ARE GODS'? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken)... (Jn. 10:34-35).

Jesus said: Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:17-19).

The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:7-11).

Do I live ONLY by the Spirit?

I do not recommend living totally by what you sense in your spirit, because you have no safeguard against pride and deception. The Bible says that God uses several means to bring us to truth. Below are a few of these:

1. Bible meditation (Josh. 1:8)
2. A multitude of Spirit-anointed counselors (Prov. 11:4)
3. The word of 2-3 witnesses (2 Cor. 13:1)
4. Testing things by their fruit (Matt. 7:16)
5. Prophecy, dreams and visions (Acts 2:17)