Canon: a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged: Eg. 1) the appointment violated the canons of fair play and equal opportunity. 2) the works of a particular author or artist that are recognized as genuine: the Shakespeare canon. Also See Why Isn’t the Apocrypha in the Protestant Bible? What Is The Canon of Scripture? This is a very important question because Christianity does not start by defining God, or Jesus Christ, or salvation. The basis of Christianity is found in the authority of Scripture. If we can't identify what is Scripture, then we can't properly distinguish any theological truth from error. The word "canon" comes from the rule of law that was used to determine if a book measured up to a standard. But it is important to note that the writings of Scripture were canonical at the moment they were written. Scripture was Scripture when the pen touched the parchment. Concerning a measure or standard used to determine which books should be classified as Scripture, a key verse to understanding the process and purpose and perhaps timing of the giving of Scripture is Jude 3, which states that a Christian's faith "was once for all delivered to the saints." Since our faith is defined by Scripture, Jude is essentially saying that Scripture was given once, for the benefit of all Christians. Isn't it wonderful to know that there are no hidden or lost manuscripts yet to be found, there are no secret books only familiar to a select few, there are no people alive who have special revelation requiring us to trek up a Himalayan mountain in order to be enlightened?!! We can be confident that God has not left us without a witness. The same supernatural power God used to produce His word has also been used to preserve it. Psalm 119:160 states that the entirety of God's word is truth. Starting with that premise, we can compare writings outside the accepted canon of Scripture to see if they meet the test. As an example, the Bible claims that Jesus Christ is God (Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:1, 2, 14; 20:28; Acts 16:31, 34; Philippians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:9; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8; 2 Peter 1:1). Yet many extra-biblical texts, imagining to be Scripture, argue that Jesus is not God. When clear contradictions exist, the established Bible is to be trusted, leaving the others outside the sphere of Scripture. See The Gnostic Gospels In the early centuries of the church, Christians were sometimes put to death for possessing copies of Scripture (in those days books were in individual scrolls, not bound together in one binding as today). Because of this persecution, the question soon came up, "What books are worth dying for?" Some books may have contained sayings of Jesus, but were they inspired as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16? Church counsels played a role in publicly recognizing the "canon" of Scripture, but often an individual church or groups of churches recognized a book as inspired from its writing (e.g. Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27). Throughout the early centuries of the church few books were ever disputed and the list was basically settled by A.D. 303. When it came to the Old Testament, they had two important facts to consider: 1) Jesus quoted from every Old Testament book but two, and effectively endorsed the Hebrew canon in Matthew 23:35 when He cited one of the first narratives and one of the last in the Scriptures of His day. 2) The Jews were meticulous in preserving the Old Testament Scriptures, and they had few controversies over what parts belong or do not belong. The Roman Catholic Apocrypha did not measure up and fell outside of the definition of Scripture, and have never been accepted by the Jews. Most questions about what books belong in the Bible dealt with writings from the time of Christ and forward. The early church had some very specific criteria in order for books to be considered as part of the New Testament. These included: Was the book written by someone who was an eyewitness of Jesus Christ? Did the book pass the "truth test"? (i.e. did it concur with other, already agreed upon Scripture?). The New Testament books they accepted back then have endured the test of time and Christian orthodoxy has embraced these, with little challenge, for centuries. See The Apocrypha Confidence in the acceptance of specific books date back to the first century recipients, who offered firsthand testimony to their authenticity. Furthermore, the end-time subject matter of the book of Revelation, and the prohibition of adding to the words of the book in 22:18, argues strongly that the canon was closed at the time of its writing (c. A.D. 95). There is an important theological point that we should not miss. God has used His word for millennia for one primary purpose: To communicate Himself to mankind. The church councils did not declare if a book was Scripture or not, God decided that when the human author was chosen by Him to write. In order to accomplish the end result, including the preservation of His word through the centuries, God guided the early church councils in their recognition of the canon. The acquisition of knowledge regarding such things as the true nature of God, the origin of the universe and life, the purpose and meaning of life, the wonders of salvation, and future events (including the destiny of mankind) are beyond the natural observational and scientific capacity of mankind. The already delivered word of God, valued and personally applied by Christians for centuries, is sufficient to explain to us everything we need to know of Christ (John 5:18; Acts 18:28; Galatians 3:22; 2 Timothy 3:15) and to teach us, correct us, and instruct us into all righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Is it Possible That More Books Could Be Added to the Bible? There is no reason to believe that God would present further revelation to add to His Word. The Bible begins with the very beginning of humanity--Genesis--and ends with the end of humanity as we know it--Revelation. Everything in between is for our benefit as believers, to be empowered with God's truth in our daily living. We know this from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT), "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." If further books were added to the Bible, that would equate to saying that the Bible we have today is incomplete - that it does not tell us everything we need to know. Although it only applies directly to the Book of Revelation, Revelation 22:18-20 teaches us an important truth about adding to God's Word, "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.'" We have all that we need in the current 66 books of the Bible. I can't think of a single situation in life that cannot be addressed by Scripture. What was begun in Genesis finds conclusion in Revelation. The Bible is absolutely complete and sufficient. Could God add to the Bible? Of course He could. However, there is no reason, Biblically or theologically, to believe that He is going to do so. Other Books Mentioned in the Bible
Matthew Slick. www.carm.org Sometimes cult groups will attempt to justify the existence of newly inspired books (i.e., Book of Mormon) by citing reference to other books mentioned in the Bible. They errantly conclude that because the Bible sometimes mentions another book that the book is either a lost book of the Bible or it somehow justifies their claim to newly inspired writings. Just because the Bible references another book does not mean that that book is inspired. The exception, of course, is when the Bible references other inspired books within itself. Nevertheless, these books are not lost books of the Bible. They were never considered inspired. The Book of Wars - Num. 21:14 Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,
The Book of Jasher - Josh. 10:13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
The Chronicles of David - 1 Chron. 27:24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it against Israel; neither was the number put in the account of the chronicles of king David.
The Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah - 2 Chron. 27:7; Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 35:27; And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 36:8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.
The Book of the Kings of Israel - 1 Chron. 9:1; So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression. 2 Chron. 20:34. Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.
The Words of the Kings of Israel - 2 Chron. 33:18. Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel.
The Decree of David the King of Israel - 2 Chron. 35:4. And prepare yourselves by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son.
The Chronicles of Samuel the Seer - 1 Chron. 29:29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
The Chronicles of Nathan the Prophet - 1 Chron. 29:29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
The Book of Gad - 1 Chron. 29:29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
The Book of the Prophet Iddo - 2 Chron. 13:22 And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo.
The Words of Shemaiah the Prophet - 2 Chron. 12:15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.
The Deeds of Uzziah by Isaiah the Prophet - 2 Chron. 26:22; Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, write. 32:32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.
The Book of Jehu - 2 Chron. 20:34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.
The Record book of Ahasuerus - Esther 2:23; And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. Esther 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
The Book of Remembrance - Mal. 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
The Book of Life - Dan. 12:1; And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Phil. 4:3; And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rev. 20:11; And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
The Book of Judgment - Dan. 7:10; A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. Rev. 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
The seven-sealed book - Rev. 5:1, And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. Rev. 5:13. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
An angel's book - Rev. 10:2 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
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