Expert: Dr. Ronald E. Shultz - 8/3/2005

Question
Recently, a friend asked a question about the infalibility of the Scriptres.  So, I was reading a reply you had posted last December regarding the truth of the Scriptures.  I as well quoted the same verse from Timothy to him: 2 Tim 3:16
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  However, his question was how do we know what scripture Timothy was referring to here?  The Scripture, as we know it today, was not put together as the Bible until much later in time.  Therefore, what Scripture was Timothy talking about?  Furthermore, what about the small contradictions (such as the differences in the genealogy of Christ) that the Bible contains?  I fully believe that the Bible is inspired by God.  I just am not sure that I could claim that it is without error - I do not mean errors in texts that teach about salvation, but minor errors in texts such as the order of events.  Please let me know your opinion on these matters - I really would like to understand this matter fully.

Thank you,
Sarah

Answer
Hi, Sarah!  This is more along the line of an apologist, which is not my strong suit, but I can give you some insights.
 
1124 graphe (graf-ay');
a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it):
KJV-- scripture.

The Scriptures or the accepted and known inspired writings of the prophets and then the Apostles were in the possession of the Jews and tnen the Church for centuries. In that time, there were also what we call false writings that emerged.  Even during Paul's lifetime people were sending out letters/epistles that they claimed came from Paul so that he had to start "signing" each one as he had a secretary write them for him beause of eyes.  (2 Th 2:2;3:17, Rom 16:22, Gal 6:11) This also why they called the council to "standardize" the Bible as we know it.  

A different perspective is not a contradiction.  Matthew's geneaology was from David's blood line and Luke
s from Mary's so in essence a proof of kingship and humanity and the need for the Virgin Birth because of a curse on one branch of David's tree.  

Nearly all of the so-called errors are immediately explained by context, culture, language or history.  The bottom line is basically that if God can create the universe and inspire the writers can He perserve that writing forever?  Yes, He can.  The modern verses are based on false scholasticism and the premise that older is better and yet there are older manuscripts, versions, lectionaries and the like that show that the Textus Receptus is accurate.  The only thing that the so-called older manuscripts agree on is that they disagree on almost every point with themselves let alone the TR or anything older than them.   They are clearly writings of heretics or the poor copies of a new scribe but since people like scholars they accept the errors.

http://www.biblebelievers.com/Grady/Final_Authority.html

Final Authority by Bro. Grady is most likely the best book on the subject and I suggest you get it and study it.  It will handle most of your questions.   You can also go to SermonCentral.com and also search for me by author and look at my sermon, "Why The Good Old KJV Is Still The Book For Thee."     

I hope this has been some help to you as you study His Word.  There may appear to be erros, but we aren't to judge by appearance.  (John 7:24)

Blessings to you!  

Bro. Ron
www.mavmin.org