Which Books Belong In The Bible? --- With Emphasis On The NT Books

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-Canon = In a literal sense the word means rod, ruler, staff or measuring rod

Gal. 6:16

Phil. 3:16

-We are using the word to refer to a list or ____________________

-With reference to the Bible it refers to those books regarded as Holy Scripture Those 39 books in the OT and 27 books in the NT

-Do we have all that ________________ intended for us to have in the Bible? In the NT?

-Are there __________________ writings that should be included?

Discussion

I. Who Decided Which Books Were To be Included In the NT?

Paul NO

Peter NO

The church- NO

-_______________determined which books were to be in the NT! --- In the Bible!

-Through means of ________________________ God long ago determined that a writing was SCRIPTURE

2 Pet. 3:15-16

1 Cor. 12:10

discerning of spirits gave the one who had the gift the ability to discern whether a prophet or teacher was true or false

inspiration recognizing _______________________

2 Tim. 3:16

-God determines which books belong in the NT

-It belongs in the NT because it is inspired

-Neither men nor the church determine which books belong in the Bible

II. Mans Obligation Is To Recognize Which Books Belong In the NT

1. Was the book ________________________?

Does its author claim to be guided by the Holy Spirit

Luke 1:1

2 Pet. 3:1-2

2. Was it written ___________________the period of Inspiration?

-The period of inspiration - A.D. 35-A.D. 100

-Book of Mormon first published in 1830

3. Does the teaching of the book agree with the one ____________________?

Eph. 4:4

-Does it teach something known to be false?

-Does it promote things that are unholy, immoral, sensual etc.

Gospel of Peter

This book implies that Jesus did not really suffer on the cross

4. Was It Widely ________________________?

-The NT writers encouraged their writings be ___________________ by Christians

Col. 4:16

Rev. 1:3

1 Th. 5:27

-During the time of inspiration, a book known to be inspired would have wide circulation

III. Quotations From Men Who Lived When The NT Was Written

These quotations alone do not prove the worthiness of the books being included in the canon. However, it does prove the early existence of these books, and that many of the fathers considered them as inspired. Tom Bright

Application of Lesson

1. Understanding These Facts Helps To Provide Confidence In The Word God Today

-If we are to make important life decisions based upon the Scriptures, we must be convinced they are from God and express His will to us

2. Helps Us To _________________ The Bible

-We must be equipped to defend the truth and we must be prepared an willing

3. Will Help Us To Reject Writings Of Men That Dont Belong in The Bible

Are there any lost books of the Bible? - NO

Should other books be included? - NO

2 Pet. 1:3

1 Pet. 3:15

Jude 3

References

1. The Canon of the Bible, Don Walker, Southwest Lectures, 2011

2. Who Decided Which New Testament Books Belong In The Bible? Tom Bright, Shenandoah Lectures, 1995

3. The Canon of Sacred Scripture, Wayne Jackson, Christian Courier, Feb. 2004

4. Biblical Canonicity, Louis Rushmore, gospelgazette.com

(Bible, Bible Authority)