The doctrine of Scripture is of vital importance for Christians, and continues to be debated by theologians. Furthermore, differing views can be found among those who describe themselves as evangelical .

A. T. B. McGowan engages with the issues, debates and terminology, and reconstructs and re-expresses an evangelical doctrine for the current context.

First, he reconsiders the place of Scripture in theological systems, and argues that it should be relocated, in order to emphasize that it is an aspect of God s self-revelation and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Secondly, he revisits the vocabulary used to articulate the doctrine, with some proposals for new terminology.
Thirdly, he examines the important differences between two evangelical positions, inerrancy and infallibility , with some further proposals for strengthening an evangelical doctrine.
Finally, he addresses two key issues the relationship between Scripture and our creeds and confessions, and how Scripture is preached in the context of the life of the church.

This stimulating and informative volume offers a valuable contribution to our understanding and articulation of the nature of Scripture and its significance for today.

Read an extract

'Andrew McGowan has rendered a notable service to evangelical doctrine by calling us to reconsider our understanding of the nature of Scripture. ... He steers a wise course between the dangers of an unthinking fundamentalism and a skeptical liberalism and suggests that terms such a spiration and infallibility express concepts that are basic to a sound doctrine that will have practical relevance to the preaching of Scripture.'
I. Howard Marshall

'The combination of broad perspectives and careful attention to detail commends this book to those looking for a readable, well-informed and balanced presentation of the doctrine of Scripture. Professor McGowan skilfully localizes problem areas in recent discussion and allows Scripture itself to provide constructive pointers to their solution.'
Paul Wells,Professor of Systematic Theology, Faculte Libre de Theologie Reformee, Aix-en-Provence

A. T. B. McGowan is Principal of Highland Theological College, Dingwall, Scotland. He is the author of The New Birth (Christian Focus) and The Federal Theology of Thomas Boston (Paternoster), and editor of Always Reforming (Apollos). He is Honorary Professor in Reformed Doctrine at the University of Aberdeen, Adjunct Professor of Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary USA, Visiting Professor of Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary USA, and Vice President of the World Reformed Fellowship.

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