Throughout the history of church there have always been questions about the reliability of the canon (books of the Bible.) Some people believe there should be more books added to the canon (apocrypha) while others believe that certain books be stripped away from the canon. I have prepared myself to have a personal conversation about the authority that establishes the canon. Here are three questions that could arise when having a personal conversation about the canon:
1. Who determines which books make it into the Bible and which books do not make it into the Bible?
2. How did they make that decision?
3. How can I be sure they made the right decision? Here is my response (first person point of view) to all three questions - Question 1: The Lord Jesus Christ is the absolute authority in establishing the canon. Jesus Christ is the authority over both the Old and New Testament. I joyfully acknowledge His authority because of the natural result of my faith. When Jesus speaks to me I listen to Him: John 10:27,” My sheep hear my voice, …show more content…
Question 3: The canonicity of the New Testament writing is directly related to its apostolicity just like the canonicity of the Old Testament is a direct action of their propheticity: Ephesians 2:20,” built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” We cannot believe that the Scriptures are a dead letter because God’s hand is involved and His Word is an explosive power: Jeremiah 23:29,” Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” How can I be sure that they made the right decision – Because my heart believes the Scriptures to be true: Hebrews 4:12,”For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirits, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the hearts.” John 17:17,”Sanctify them in the truth; your word is
1. Who determines which books make it into the Bible and which books do not make it into the Bible?
2. How did they make that decision?
3. How can I be sure they made the right decision? Here is my response (first person point of view) to all three questions - Question 1: The Lord Jesus Christ is the absolute authority in establishing the canon. Jesus Christ is the authority over both the Old and New Testament. I joyfully acknowledge His authority because of the natural result of my faith. When Jesus speaks to me I listen to Him: John 10:27,” My sheep hear my voice, …show more content…
Question 3: The canonicity of the New Testament writing is directly related to its apostolicity just like the canonicity of the Old Testament is a direct action of their propheticity: Ephesians 2:20,” built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” We cannot believe that the Scriptures are a dead letter because God’s hand is involved and His Word is an explosive power: Jeremiah 23:29,” Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” How can I be sure that they made the right decision – Because my heart believes the Scriptures to be true: Hebrews 4:12,”For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirits, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the hearts.” John 17:17,”Sanctify them in the truth; your word is