Biblical Inerrancy

The C&MA Statement of Faith affirms that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, authoritative and final in all matters of faith and practice. Inerrancy means that Scripture does not err in what it affirms — it is completely trustworthy and reliable. Infallibility means that Scripture cannot fail in its purpose and is absolutely authoritative in all it teaches.

The C&MA holds that this inerrancy extends to all the biblical claims — theological, historical, and scientific — in their original autographs (the original manuscripts written by the biblical authors). The C&MA does not require affirmation of a specific theory of how Scripture was produced (e.g., mechanical dictation versus organic development) but affirms the end result: a trustworthy, authoritative Word of God.

This commitment to biblical inerrancy and authority underlies all C&MA theology, ethics, and practice. The Bible is not merely a human book containing God's word, nor is it limited in authority to spiritual matters; rather, it is God's written Word and the supreme court of appeal for all doctrinal and practical questions. This high view of Scripture motivates careful study, faithful interpretation, and submission to biblical truth. It also shapes the C&MA's stance on controversial issues: the Bible's teaching is sought and followed, even when culture or personal preference might suggest otherwise.