JOURNAL CRITIQUE TEMPLATE

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY

Journal Article Critique of

Chicago Statement on biblical Inerrancy

Submitted to Dr. Stephen Ladd

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of

THEO 525 – DO5

Systematic Theology I

by

Elaine Dent

July 14, 2021

Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………1-2

Brief Summary…………………………………………………………………………2-3

Critical Interaction…………………………………………………………………….3-4

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………4-5

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………5

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 Introduction

The Chicago statement on Biblical Inerrancy article was drafted in 1978 in Chicago over

the course of three days consultation. The article contains a preface, a short statement, and

nineteen articles that affirm biblical inerrancy and deny misrepresentation against the doctrine.

The council met in support of the inerrancy of scripture and encouraged those of the Christian

faith to stand in subjection to the divine word. According to the writers “We are persuaded that

to deny it is to set aside the witness of Jesus Christ and of the Holy Spirit and to refuse

submission to the claims of God's own Word which marks true Christian faith.”1

The statement was established, and supported by noteworthy scholars, who not only

reinforce their own conviction on the inerrancy of scripture, but to encourage and challenge one

another and all Christian to grow and understand the doctrine.2 The council recognized the limits

of the document that was prepared in a brief, intensive conference and did not suggest that this

Statement be given creedal weight. However, they rejoice in the strengthening of their own

convictions through the discussions they had together, and they prayed that the Statement they

have signed may be used to the glory of our God toward a new reformation of the Church in its

faith, life, and mission.”3

The groundwork for the inerrancy of scripture were laid out based on the authority of

scripture. “We offer this Statement in a spirit, not of contention, but of humility and love, which

we purpose by God's grace to maintain in any future dialogue arising out of what we have said.”4

The statement is composed of three parts (1) a Summary Statement, (2) Articles of Affirmation,

and (3) Denial, and an accompanying Exposition. They further states, “we claim no personal

1
“The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy” Journal of theological Society. (1978):
https://www.etsjets.org/files/documents/Chicago_Statement.pdf
2
“Ibid.”
3
“Ibid.”
4
“Ibid.”

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infallibility for the witness we bear, and for any help which enables us to strengthen this

testimony to God's Word we shall be grateful.”5

Brief Summary

According to Walter Elwell, “The short statement in the Chicago Statement of Biblical

Inerrancy consists of five points. (1) God, who only speaks truth, has inspired Scripture to reveal

Christ to sinners. (2) The Bible, "written by men, prepared and superintended by the Spirit, is of

infallible divine authority in all matters upon which it touches." (3) The Holy Spirit, the divine

author of Scripture, enlighten readers and authenticates Scripture. (4) The Bible is without error

in all its teaching. (5) Scripture's authority is impaired if inerrancy is limited or denied.”6 In part

two nineteen articles that affirmed God’s truth, as well as nineteen denied the misconception

against inerrancy.

The scripture is not simply a view of revelation, but divine revelation. Elwell notes, “Part

three is a five-page exposition written by Anglican theologian James I. Packer. It endeavors to

set the doctrine of inerrancy within the context of the broader teachings of Scripture about

itself.”7 These authors invite response to this statement from any who see a reason to amend its

affirmations about Scripture by the light of Scripture itself, under whose infallible authority we

stand as we speak. Norris C. Grubbs and Curtis Scott Drumm, author of What Theology have to

do with the Bible? A Call for the Expansion of the Doctrine of Inspiration mentioned, “Although

the document is focused on the truthfulness of the text, inerrancy as a doctrine is so connected to

inspiration that the statement itself almost speaks more of inspiration than it does of inerrancy.”8

5
“Ibid.”
6
Walter Elwell A, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd ed. (grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001), 227
7
“Ibid.”
8
Norris C. Grubbs, and Curtis Scott Drumm, “What Theology Have to do with the Bible? A Call for the
Expansion of the Doctrine of Inspiration” Journal of Evangelical Theological Society 53, no. 1 (March 2010): 69.
https://www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/53/53-1/JETS_53-1_065-079_Grubbs:Drumm.pdf.

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 Grubbs and Brumm further states, “Notice that the short statement (on inerrancy)

emphasizes that “Holy Scripture, being God’s own Word, written by men,” “The Holy Spirit [is]

Scripture’s divine Author,” and Scripture is “wholly and verbally God-given.” However, the

statement does not stop there. The second part of the Chicago Statement is a series of nineteen

articles of affirmation and denial, but within those articles, the statement affirms that “the very

words of the original, were given by divine inspiration” and “God by His Spirit, through human

writers, gave us His Word.”9

Critical Interaction

Grubbs and Brumm notes, “Although Wayne Grudem has produced a systematic

theology text which is in heavy use as a textbook in many seminaries and divinity schools. How

ironic, that he would choose to speak of Scripture as being “God-breathed” rather than inspired.”

Nevertheless, in his discussion he noted, “The authority of Scripture means that all of the words

in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is

to disbelieve or disobey.”10 According to Elmer Towns theology for Today, “A survey of the

statement of the Church fathers on the subject of inerrancy reveals that inerrancy is not the recent

discussion of more contemporary theologians.

Therefore, if you have looked closely into the Holy scriptures, which is given through the

Holy Spirit. You know that nothing is unrighteous or falsified in them. It is noteworthy to

mention that the men by whom the scriptures have been given to us, and committed in writing,

did not put down in these books anything false.”11 The apostle Paul told the Romans that God

had given him special revelation, and he called it “my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus

Christ” (Rom 16:25-26). In (Cor 2:10 he admits that God hath revealed them unto us by His

9
“Ibid.”
10
“Ibid.”
11
Elmer Towns, Theology for Today (Mason OH, Cengage Learning, 2008),70.

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Spirit. Towns mentioned, “Jesus Himself affirmed and recognized the inerrancy of scripture and

made constant appeal to it when Satan tempted Him (Matt 4:1-11), and He used it often in

defense of His ministry (Matt 11:15-17, 26:54-56).”12

Elwell mentioned, “The Bible itself teaches its own inspiration and that itself requires

inerrancy” Paul exhorts Timothy and the believers that All scripture is God breathe and is useful

for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training, in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). Elwell further

states, “The concluding denial is worthy of quotation: "We deny that such confession [of

inerrancy] is necessary for salvation. However, we further deny that inerrancy can be rejected

without grave consequences, both to the individual and to the Church.”13

Conclusion

Throughout the entire article we can see that these theologians based their commitment

on the reliability of scripture, and God’s truth. The Bible is our compass road map to lead us to

Christ. One of the key statements of the article that grab my attention is “The origin of the Bible

is divine, although its mode of inspiration is a mystery. God did not override the personalities of

the writers of Scripture but used their personalities and literary styles to produce his every word.”

Although Inspiration pertains only to the autographs, but their absence does not render "the

assertion of Biblical inerrancy invalid or inapplicable.

The apostle Peter confirmed the inerrancy of scripture as referenced in the statement “For

prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried

along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The Chicago statement is designed to help scholars and

believers conformed to the authority of scripture. Apostle John said it best, “Blessed is the one

12
Ibid, 68-69.
13
Elwell, 227

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who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is

written in it (Rev 1:3).

Bibliography

The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy” Journal of theological Society. (1978):

https://www.etsjets.org/files/documents/Chicago_Statement.pdf

Elwell, Walter A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic,
(2001). 
Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, (2013). 
Grubbs, Norris C., and Drumm Curtis Scott. “What Theology Have to do with the Bible? A Call
for the Expansion of the Doctrine of Inspiration” Journal of Evangelical Theological
Society 53, no. 1 (March 2010): 69. https://www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/53/53-
1/JETS_53-1_065-079_Grubbs:Drumm.pdf.
Towns, Elmer. Theology for Today (Mason OH, Cengage Learning, 2008).

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