Do We Have the Right Books?

Description

A defense of the accuracy of the biblical canon begins with an understanding of the principles that guided the early church in determining the extent of the canon. The early church fathers were meticulous in their evaluation of the texts, relying on apostolic connection, consistency with established doctrine, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. The early church also recognized that not all texts were created equal. They distinguished between the writings of the apostles and those of later followers. The so-called “lost books” of the Bible, such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary, are not lost at all. They were deliberately excluded from the canon because they did not meet the criteria established by the early church. The biblical canon is not a random collection of texts, but rather a carefully curated selection of writings that have been recognized as authoritative and inspired by God. In conclusion, the biblical canon is a reliable and trustworthy collection of texts that have been carefully evaluated and recognized as authoritative by the early church. The principles that guided the early church in determining the extent of the canon were based on a deep understanding of God’s revelation and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the Christian faith. The biblical canon is a precious treasure that has been passed down to us, and it is our responsibility to cherish and honor it. A robust defense of the biblical canon's accuracy begins with grasping the guiding principles that shaped its formation. The early church's meticulous approach involved scrutinizing texts for apostolic ties, doctrinal consistency, and the Holy Spirit's witness. This rigorous evaluation distinguished between the writings of the apostles and those of later followers, recognizing that not all texts were equal in authority. The so-called "lost books" of the Bible, such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Mary, were deliberately excluded from the canon due to their failure to meet the established criteria. These texts were not lost, but rather, rejected for lacking the marks of authenticity and inspiration. The biblical canon is not a haphazard collection of texts, but a carefully curated repository of writings recognized as authoritative and divinely inspired. This trustworthy collection has been carefully evaluated and recognized by the early church as a reliable guide for Christian faith and practice. Ultimately, the biblical canon is a treasured inheritance, shaped by the early church's commitment to preserving the integrity of the Christian faith. It is our responsibility to cherish and honor this sacred legacy, recognizing its significance in shaping our understanding of God's revelation.

Contributors

Terry L. Wilder

AUTHOR

Paul D. Wegner

AUTHOR

Steven B. Cowan

AUTHOR

Craig Branch

AUTHOR
The Areopagus Journal of the Apologetics Resource Center

The Areopagus Journal of the Apologetics Resource Center

PERIODICALS
The Apologist Project

We Need Your Support

We are a nonprofit that can only continue this mission with your prayers and financial support. Would you prayerfully consider a one-time or recurring gift to help us reach seekers of truth and sharpen the knowledge of believers?