Truth: Canonicity Part 8

This is Part 8 of 9 parts answering the basic and very important question, “What does Canonicity mean and why is it important?” Part 9 will be posted tomorrow.

In review of Canonicity: Canonicity Discovered and Distinctions.

  • God determines Canon, the church discovers Canon.
  • God is the author of Canon, the church is the recipient of Canon.
  • God is the judge of Canon, the church is the witness of Canon.
  • God is the master of Canon, the church is servant of Canon.

Why are these extra-biblical writings, like the Apocrypha (and the Pseudepigrapha), not considered part of the Canon? Reading through the various writings and books, it may not seem like all the books were that different. However, Continue reading

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Truth: Canonicity Part 7

This is Part 7 of 9 parts answering the basic and very important question, “What does Canonicity mean and why is it important?” Parts 8-9 will be posted on succeeding days.

The writings included in the “Pseudepigrapha” were rejected by all as spurious or false. While the Apocrypha was a collection of writings connected to the Old Testament, the Pseudepigrapha was a collection of writings associated with the New Testament. Continue reading

Truth: Canonicity Part 5

This is Part 5 of 9 parts answering the basic and very important question, “What does Canonicity mean and why is it important?” Parts 6-9 will be posted on succeeding days.

We have looked at the Lord Jesus’ view of the Old Testament and some of the guidelines men used to acknowledge which books were considered Canon. Let’s look at several examples of the Divine nature of the text and how God was consistent even while using different authors. Compare what Joshua said and a prophetic fulfillment of it, Continue reading

Truth: Canonicity Part 4

This is Part 4 of 9 parts answering the basic and very important question, “What does Canonicity mean and why is it important?” Parts 5-9 will be posted on succeeding days.

Before we jump into the question regarding guidelines that men used to acknowledge what was Old Testament Canon, let’s review Canonicity: Canonicity Discovered and Distinctions.

  • God determines Canon, the church discovers Canon.
  • God is the Author of Canon, the church is the recipient of Canon.
  • God is the Judge of Canon, the church is the witness of Canon.
  • God is the Master of Canon, the church is servant of Canon.

Continue reading

Truth: Canonicity Part 3

This is Part 3 of 9 parts answering the basic and very important question, “What does Canonicity mean and why is it important?” Parts 4-9 will be posted on succeeding days.

The Canon of the Old Testament.

Before we consider what made books of the Old Testament canonical or Canon, let’s review several notes regarding canonicity.

Canonicity is determined by God. It is the determination for authority in life. Both canonicity and authority are recognized by men of God. Men do not determine anything. All men can do is recognize what God has done. A book is canonical because it is inspired. Edward J. Young, an English Theologian, wrote, Continue reading