1. Which Books Belong In The Bible?
With Emphasis On The NT Books

2. Canon
In a literal sense the word means rod, ruler, staff or measuring rod

3. Gal. 6:16
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

4. Phil. 3:16
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

5. Canon
We are using the word to refer to a list or index
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

6. Canon
Do we have all that God intended for us to have in the Bible? In the NT?
Are there other writings that should be included?

7. I. Who Decided Which Books Were To be Included In the NT?
Paul - NO
Peter - NO
The church - NO
God determined which books were to be in the NT! --- In the Bible!

8. 1. Who Decided Which Books Were To be Included In the NT?
Through means of inspiration, God long ago determined that a writing was SCRIPTURE

9. 2 Pet. 3:15-16
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things;

10. in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

11. 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 inspiration”

12. 2 Tim. 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

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

14. II. Man’s Obligation Is To Recognize Which Books Belong In the NT

15. Does its author claim to be guided by the Holy Spirit Luke 1:1
1. Was The Book Inspired?
Does its author claim to be guided by the Holy Spirit
Luke 1:1
“Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,”

16. 2 Pet. 3:1-2
This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

17. 2. Was It Written After The Period Of Inspiration
The period of inspiration - A.D. 35-A.D. 100
Book of Mormon – first published in 1830

18. 3. Does The Teaching Of The Book Agree With The One Faith?
Eph. 4:4 “one faith”
Does it teach something known to be false?
Does it promote things that are unholy, immoral, sensual etc.

19. 3. Does The Teaching Of The Book Agree With The One Faith?
Gospel of Peter
This book implies that Jesus did not really suffer on the cross

20. 4. Was It Widely Accepted?
The NT writers encouraged their writings be read by Christians

21. Col. 4:16
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

22. Rev. 1:3
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

23. 1 Th. 5:27
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

24. 4. Was It Widely Accepted?
During the time of inspiration, a book known to be inspired would have wide circulation

25. 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

26. Application of Lesson

27. 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

28. 2. Helps Us To Defend The Bible
We must be equipped to defend the truth and we must be prepared an willing

29. Are there any “lost books of the Bible”? - NO
3. Will Help Us To Reject Writings Of Men That Don’t Belong in The Bible
Are there any “lost books of the Bible”? - NO
Should other books be included? NO

30. 2 Pet. 1:3
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue

31. Which books belong in the Bible? In The NT?
Conclusion
1 Pet. 3:15
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Bible, Bible authority

32. Jude 3
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

33. References
The Canon of the Bible, Don Walker, Southwest Lectures, 2011
Who Decided Which New Testament Books Belong In The Bible? Tom Bright, Shenandoah Lectures, 1995
The “Canon” of Sacred Scripture, Wayne Jackson, Christian Courier, Feb. 2004
Biblical Canonicity, Louis Rushmore, gospelgazette.com