Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung: Episode Summary

Episode Title: What Is the Doctrine of Scripture?
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Host: Kevin DeYoung
Produced by: Crossway

Introduction to Doctrine of Scripture

In the episode titled "What Is the Doctrine of Scripture?", Pastor Kevin DeYoung delves into the foundational aspects of the Christian faith by exploring the nature and authority of Scripture. Building on the previous discussion about natural theology and general versus special revelation, DeYoung shifts focus to special revelation as encapsulated in the Bible.

Understanding Inspiration: Concursive Operation

DeYoung introduces the technical yet accessible term "concursive operation" to describe the manner in which God inspired the biblical authors. He contrasts this with two other prevalent views:

1. Dynamic View of Inspiration (00:30):

   • Often linked to theological liberalism.
   • Suggests that authors were influenced by God without the divine control over every word.
   • Emphasizes the spiritual insights and life-giving spirituality imparted to the authors.
   • Quote:
     "The Bible is a special book. But it does not require this view that the individual words of Scripture be divine, let alone infallible or inerrant." – Kevin DeYoung [00:45]

2. Mechanical Dictation (02:15):

   • Views Scripture as God dictating words directly to the authors, akin to a stenographer.
   • Associated with perspectives like the Muslim understanding of the Quran or certain Mormon beliefs.
   • Quote:
     "It's not that Paul or Peter or Moses or David are just putting their ear up to heaven and God or an angel is giving down some word or an angel is communicating like a written script, and then they write it down." – Kevin DeYoung [02:55]

DeYoung advocates for the concursive operation, where God interacts organically with the authors, utilizing their intellect, skills, and personalities without micromanaging their expressions.

Inerrancy vs. Infallibility

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the inerrancy of Scripture, distinguishing it from infallibility:

• Inerrancy:

  • Asserts that the Bible contains no mistakes in its affirmations and teachings.
  • Quote:
    "The Bible cannot be broken. We must have the same high view of Scripture that Jesus had." – Kevin DeYoung [05:45]

• Infallibility:

  • Means that Scripture does not mislead.

DeYoung emphasizes the importance of inerrancy for maintaining the Bible's authority and reliability, citing various theological perspectives and historical affirmations.

Jesus' Affirmation of Scripture

DeYoung highlights how Jesus Christ Himself underscored the authority and unbreakable nature of Scripture:

• John 10:35:
  "Jesus emphasized that the Scriptures cannot be broken." [07:30]

• Matthew 5:

  • Jesus references the Old Testament in a straightforward manner, affirming its historical and factual integrity.
  • Quote:
    "Jesus is not talking about a fictional story. He believes that Jonah and the big fish and all of it is true." – Kevin DeYoung [09:10]

These references demonstrate that Jesus upheld the Scriptures as the authoritative Word of God, reinforcing the doctrine of inerrancy.

Historical Affirmations of Inerrancy

DeYoung brings in historical theologians to support the doctrine:

• John Calvin:

  • Stated that following Scripture safeguards against error.
  • Quote:
    "In Scripture, God opens his most hallowed lips as if the apostles were sure and genuine scribes of the Holy Spirit." – Kevin DeYoung [11:00]

• J.I. Packer:

  • Warned against doubting the Bible, linking it to a loss of truth and life.
  • Quote:
    "One cannot doubt the Bible without far reaching loss both of fullness of truth and of fullness of life." – J.I. Packer [13:20]

DeYoung underscores that the Church's historical stance has consistently affirmed Scripture as God's unerring Word, making it the ultimate authority for faith and practice.

Consequences of Rejecting Inerrancy

The episode discusses the implications of denying the Bible's inerrancy:

• Authority Over Scripture:
  Rejecting inerrancy allows individuals to determine which parts of Scripture to trust, undermining the Bible's authority.

• Sub-Christian Conclusions:
  Disregarding inerrancy may lead to believing that either Scripture is not entirely from God or that God is unreliable, both of which contradict core Christian beliefs.

• Ephesians 4:14-15 Parallel:
  Just as Christians are called to maturity to avoid being swayed by false teachings, affirming inerrancy is crucial to maintaining doctrinal integrity.

Call to Trust and Humility

DeYoung encourages believers to approach Scripture with humility and trust:

• Humility in Interpretation:
  Acknowledging that not all passages are easily reconcilable but committing to trusting God's Word as authoritative and life-giving.

• Authority of Scripture:
  Emphasizing that Scripture stands above human reasoning and interpretation, urging adherence to its teachings for spiritual growth and societal renewal.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In closing, DeYoung reiterates the importance of upholding the inerrancy of Scripture to preserve the fullness of truth and life. He urges listeners to embrace the Bible's authority fully, ensuring that their faith remains rooted in the reliable and inspired Word of God.

• Final Quote:
  "We owe to the Scriptures the same reverence we owe to God." – Kevin DeYoung [16:30]

DeYoung wraps up by inviting listeners to further explore the Doctrine of Scripture through resources like his mini systematic theology book, Daily Doctrine, available from Crossway.

Key Takeaways

• Concursive Operation: God inspires Scripture by working organically with human authors, respecting their personalities and intellect.
• Inerrancy vs. Infallibility: The Bible is without error in its affirmations and teachings, establishing its ultimate authority.
• Jesus’ Affirmation: Jesus upheld the Scriptures as the unbreakable Word of God, reinforcing their authority and reliability.
• Historical Support: The doctrine of inerrancy has strong historical backing from theologians like John Calvin and J.I. Packer.
• Implications of Rejection: Denying inerrancy undermines the Bible's authority and leads to theological instability.
• Call to Trust: Believers are encouraged to trust Scripture fully, approaching it with humility and reverence.

Further Resources

• Daily Doctrine: A year-long mini systematic theology book by Kevin DeYoung, available in print and audio at crossway.org.

This summary encapsulates the core discussions and insights from Kevin DeYoung's episode on the Doctrine of Scripture, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have yet to listen.