In actuality we DO NOT have the actual "originals" of any of the texts to our knowledge. ALL we have is "copies." However, we have "so many" copies that it is believed that we have contained in all the fragments the actual text. God in his sovereignty has seen fit that this is so for many reasons among which: (1) we will not worship the actual originals, (2) we continue to live by faith, not sight, etc.

To the degree that our Bibles reflect the autographic text, they are the Word of God. The NIV does not reflect such. NIV is not a translation of the Scripture--it is more of a contemporary commentary then anything--and a poor one at that. There are objective means of determining what belongs to the autographic text: textual criticism. However, all our knowledge of Scripture, our access to it, is burdened with human fallibility. Even if we had the autographs (originals), we would have imperfect means of understanding their language, their teaching, and even if we had perfect knowledge of the languages, grammar, etc., we would still distort the teaching because of our sin. We MUST trust the Holy Spirit.

Here are some notes from John Frame's class on the Scriptures that I believe will be helpful: Inerrancy (check your e-mail as I have sent you the whole file of Frame's lectures). Though Dr. Frame's book shall be out in due time (the notes are his outline for part of it) a classic in this area and a must have for any library is, Holy Scripture: The Ground and Pillar of Our Faith

Reformed and Always Reforming,