We believe that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, is the infallible Giver and Steward of God’s written Word. He inspired the Scriptures, carrying along their human authors so that what they wrote is God-breathed and possesses its authority from God alone (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21).
We believe that the Spirit led the apostles into the truth entrusted through them, teaching them and bringing Christ’s words to their remembrance (John 14:26; 16:13), and that this same Spirit continues to lead Christ’s church in the faithful apprehension, discernment, teaching, and application of the truth once given (1 Cor. 2:12–16; Eph. 4:11–16; Heb. 3:7; 10:15–17).
We believe that the canonical deposit is fixed and that the Word of God stands forever (Isa. 40:8; 1 Pet. 1:25). Its authority neither originates in nor depends upon any individual, council, church, or institution, though the Spirit providentially employs the church, its officers, teachers, gifts, and individual members in preserving, proclaiming, defending, and applying the truth (1 Cor. 12:11; Eph. 4:11–16; Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:15).
We believe that no human interpreter or institution is thereby rendered infallible. Therefore, all claims concerning truth are to be tested, and what is good held fast (1 Thess. 5:21). The Spirit’s illumination neither enlarges nor alters revelation, but leads God’s people into increasingly faithful understanding of what He has given.
Therefore, revelation is complete, Scripture is objective, human interpretation is corrigible, and apprehension can mature. The deposit does not develop; our understanding of it may. The Spirit who gave the Word continues faithfully to steward His Word among the people of God, for their maturity, the defense of the faith, and the glory of God (Eph. 4:11–16; 2 Cor. 10:4–5; 1 Pet. 3:15).