Catch A Tiger by its Toe

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How did we get the books of the Bible that we have today? Or to rephrase, how did we get the canon of Scripture?

First a good definition of canon is: the list of all the books that belong in the Bible.

The Old Testament talks about how each of the books became included. First, God writes down the two tablets for Moses (he broke them and rewrote them) and he continued to write what God told him to.

Many places in the Bible the text is introduced or concluded with; “and the Lord said,” or something equivalent. This continued from when Moses lived until roughly 400 B.C. Then, God sent no more prophets until John. I can’t imagine living in that window of time; those must have been incredibly hard years for the Jews. Has God left us? Does he still love us? But there were men and women who still worshipped in Spirit and Truth.

And then we have the New Testament. Most of it is written by the apostles which is what gives it authority but there are some that aren’t. The evidence that means most to me is not trust in the Council of Nicaea or even the historical evidence that backs it up; no, the evidence that means the most to me is that I see God in the Scriptures. I see Him speaking into my heart. I see who I was and who I am with clarity.

Scripture is a double-edged sword that pierces my soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and discerns my thoughts and intentions.[1] Those who are God’s know his voice.[2] My confidence, your confidence, should not be in human authority but God’s. I know that God is faithful, even when I am faithless. There has been no strong argument for books to be added to the Bible for over a millennium and a half. Tell me, what have Christians agreed on besides that and basic tenants of the faith? We should take confidence in the fact that God speaks through His word to our hearts.

Some might point out Jehovah’s Witness or Mormons. Haven’t they had “new revalations?” I absolutely disagree because their extra books hold more authority in their own circles and the Bible is fundamentally changed in their translations. Jehovah’s Witnesses have the Watchtower that has its own ‘translation’ of the Bible and the same with Mormons, it is by Joseph Smith. Joe is the guy who had an “angel of light” reveal to him all of the garbage in the Book of Mormon.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”[3]

From this verse we can say, if anyone preaches a gospel other than Christ and Him crucified, they are not representing God.

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[1] Hebrews 4:12, unless otherwise noted ESV

[2] John 10:27

[3] Galatians 1:8

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