Bible is inspired Word of God; inerrancy affirmed; INC interpretation definitive
Iglesia ni Cristo affirms that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that it is inerrant in all its teachings. The Scriptures are understood as the authoritative source of Christian doctrine and practice and are trustworthy in all matters of faith and morals. Errors in Scripture are denied, and the Bible is presented as the ultimate standard against which all other teachings and traditions must be tested.
However, the inerrancy of Scripture is inseparable from INC's monopoly on its interpretation. While the Bible is inerrant, its true meaning is understood only through the teachings of INC leadership. This doctrine serves to affirm the supreme authority of Scripture while maintaining the absolute necessity of INC's mediating role in biblical interpretation. Individual readers cannot reliably understand Scripture apart from the Church's authoritative guidance.
Key Distinctions
- Inerrancy scope:
- verbal plenary inerrancy — every word of Scripture is inspired and without error in the original autographs
- Hermeneutic approach:
- grammatical-historical — literal meaning in its original context
Scripture References
Sources
- INC Official Website
- Felix Manalo, Pasugo magazine