To be given by the inspiration of God means that they are the Word of God and come from Him as their original Author. 1 Timothy 3:16 says that Scripture is “God-breathed”. In the KJV it says that “All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God”. This translation was further dependent upon the Latin Vulgate which had here the Latin word inspirata. But the original idea conveyed through the Greek is that whatever is considered Scripture, it is by definition God’s breath and God’s Word. This Canon Of Scripture, i.e., the list of what is considered Scripture, is to be the rule of faith and life. It is by Scripture which we should test and establish what we are to believe. It is by Scripture that we learn how we are to live God-pleasing lives. Scripture is the only infallible and certain rule of faith and life. There might be other rules or standards, but only Holy Scripture is the Rule of rules, Norm of norms and the Standard of all standards.
The Canonicity Of The New Testament
This is the only binding “rule of faith” upon every Christian. It is God’s scepter of righteousness on every Christian soul. The consistent testimony of Scripture is what every Christian needs to heed. In regards to the New Testament canon, Christians have not had much disagreement although Gregg Allison observes that ‘James, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, Jude, and Hebrews—were on the “fringe” of the early church’s canon.’[13] The Book of Revelation was likewise not too quickly received for obvious reasons.
First, let us look at what early Christians looked to see if a work is inspired or not.
- First was the question of apostolicity. Was the book written by the apostles? Was it written by close associates of them, as Mark and Luke?
- Second was the question of antiquity. Did the actual work go to the time of the apostles or does it come much later from the eyewitnesses that it cannot be trusted?
Using these criteria, the church looked to the writings that were claiming to be inspired and eventually came with the Canon that we now possess, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. The church did not select the books, but merely acknowledged the ones that God had inspired. As Calvin long ago said:
Nothing, therefore can be more absurd than the fiction, that the power of judging Scripture is in the Church, and that on her nod its certainty depends. When the Church receives it, and gives it the stamp of her authority, she does not make that authentic which was otherwise doubtful or controverted but, acknowledging it as the truth of God, she, as in duty bounds shows her reverence by an unhesitating assent. As to the question, How shall we be persuaded that it came from God without recurring to a decree of the Church? it is just the same as if it were asked, How shall we learn to distinguish light from darkness, white from black, sweet from bitter? Scripture bears upon the face of it as clear evidence of its truth, as white and black do of their colour, sweet and bitter of their taste.[14]
Now let us take a brief look at why a few books in the New Testament were not admitted to the canon too quickly. The thing with James was the uncertainty of the author. It may also have been with what is taught in James 2:24-26, which at first glance seems contrary to the gospel preached by Paul, as was the case with Luther’s rejection...
