Its Canonization—The Recognition of the Authority of the Bible

THE CANON

In the Bible there are sixty-six books. How did those sixty-six books come to be recognized as scripture? What was the process by which those writings were examined that put the fixed mark on them that these were the word of God. This area is known as Canonicity.

The church did not create the canon but instead recognized the books that were inspired.

  

The word canon is derived from the Greek word kanwn, or straight rod, or ruler. It denotes a carpenter's measuring rod and was used figuratively as a standard by which something could be measured. In 2 Corinthians 10:13 and Galatians 6:16, the word kanon is translated as rule to denote the restriction and conduct of a life led by the Spirit. Origen used the word “canon to denote what we call the 'rule of faith,' the standard by which we are to measure and evaluate.” It is important to note that the church did not create the canon but instead recognized the books that were inspired. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is God-breathed (inspired) and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

In Evidence that demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell lists five principles used to determine whether a New Testament book was inspired (see Geisler and Nix).

  1. Is it authoritative—did it originate from God Himself? References to the Bible's inspiration include Acts 3:21; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1.
  2. Is it prophetic—was it written by a man of God? References include Ephesians 3:3-5 and Colossians 1:26.
  3. Is it authentic—did it stand up to scrutiny? Acts 17:11.
  4. Is it dynamic—did it convey the life of God to the reader? Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21.
  5. Was it received, collected, and used—was it accepted by the people of God? An example of this can be seen in 2 Peter 3:16, with Peter recommending Paul's writings to the believer's on the same level as the rest of scriptures.

THE CANON OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

THE CANON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

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