1. HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE Development of the Canon What Books Should be in the Bible? 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Col. 3:17

2. 2 Development of the Canon of Scripture Canon – “a reed or measuring rod” Canon – “a reed or measuring rod” Came to mean “the norm or rule” Came to mean “the norm or rule” Eventually, “catalog or list” Eventually, “catalog or list”

3. 3 Development of the Canon of Scripture Collection of writings which are God-breathed & thus, authoritative Collection of writings which are God-breathed & thus, authoritative Recognize the difference between inspiration & canonization Recognize the difference between inspiration & canonization

4. 4 Books Categorized into Four Groups Virtually all agree they belong Virtually all agree they belong Most all agree they belong Most all agree they belong Most agree do not belong Most agree do not belong Virtually all agree do not belong Virtually all agree do not belong

5. 5 What Determines Canonicity? Inspiration determines canonicity - 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Inspiration determines canonicity - 2 Tim. 3:16-17 No man, Church or Council made the Bible books authoritative! 2 Ths. 2:15; Eph. 3:3-5 No man, Church or Council made the Bible books authoritative! 2 Ths. 2:15; Eph. 3:3-5

6. 6 Inspired Writing Divine Authority Canonical

7. 7 Tests of Canonicity Apostolicity – 1 Cor. 14:37 Apostolicity – 1 Cor. 14:37 Identify, 2 Ths. 3:17 (Jno. 13:20) Identify, 2 Ths. 3:17 (Jno. 13:20) Necessary instruction, 1 Tim. 3:15 Necessary instruction, 1 Tim. 3:15 Viewed as Scripture, 2 Pet. 3:15-16; 1 Tim. 5:18 (Lk. 10:7) Viewed as Scripture, 2 Pet. 3:15-16; 1 Tim. 5:18 (Lk. 10:7)

8. 8 Tests of Canonicity Apostolicity – 1 Cor. 14:37 Apostolicity – 1 Cor. 14:37 Make sure only apostolic, prophetic writings (inspired) were received as binding upon men!! (Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Ths. 3:17) Make sure only apostolic, prophetic writings (inspired) were received as binding upon men!! (Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Ths. 3:17)

9. 9 Tests of Canonicity Character of its contents Character of its contents Harmonize with apostles’ doctrine Harmonize with apostles’ doctrine Important to make sure profane, purely human writings were not received as binding upon men!! (2 Ths. 2:1-2; Matt. 24:4) Important to make sure profane, purely human writings were not received as binding upon men!! (2 Ths. 2:1-2; Matt. 24:4)

10. 10 Tests of Canonicity Universality Universality General acceptance of the book General acceptance of the book Important that all mankind accept as authoritative every book that is inspired by God!! (1 Ths. 5:27; Col. 4:16; 2 Pet. 3:16) Important that all mankind accept as authoritative every book that is inspired by God!! (1 Ths. 5:27; Col. 4:16; 2 Pet. 3:16)

11. 11 Why Have a Canon? Identify the accepted (approved) standard Identify the accepted (approved) standard Combat false teachers – 2 Pet. 2: 1-2; 3:1-3, 16; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6 Combat false teachers – 2 Pet. 2: 1-2; 3:1-3, 16; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6 Identify the counterfeit Identify the counterfeit Forged books – 2 Ths. 2:1-2 Forged books – 2 Ths. 2:1-2

12. 12 The Canon of Scripture Confident in the accuracy of the canon Confident in the accuracy of the canon Will you take the Bible & use it to be saved in Christ? (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11-12) Will you take the Bible & use it to be saved in Christ? (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11-12)