The Canon

There is an interesting history about how the collection of writings contained in the Protestant and Catholic Bible were chosen. The term "Holy Bible" can apply to any collection of religious writings but these are the two main Christian Bibles in print. While the Bible of Catholicism contains all the writings found in the Protestant Bible, it also has additional writings not included in the Protestant canon, which the protestants do not consider to be written by divine inspiration. But how can we really know which archaic literature is inspired by God for His people?

By value of topical content alone, there is no end to the writing of books.

"The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body." (Ecclesiastes 12:11,12)

Divinely inspired literature however is known only within the soul of those who recognize the Spirit of God dwelling richly within a particular text.

"We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverent esteem of the holy Scripture; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet, notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts." — Westminster Confession, 1647.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God (inspired) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

Many writings have an appearance of godliness, but for the spiritually discerning, they certainly lack "...the power thereof." (2 Timothy 3:5) ...that is, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit behind it. Though God's children have the Spiritual burden to evangelize, teach, reprove, and correct others by the use of Scripture, it is only by the active presence of the Holy Spirit that accompanies the text in the midst of such duties whereby Scripture becomes inspired and profitable. (Acts 16:6)

There are many bibles among many religions in the world today. Holy Scripture is not determined by its compilation within a book, but rather by the presence of its Holy inspiration, proven by the Spiritual author Himself, unto the ones whom His Spirit dwells within. When we are able to test the spirit to see whether it is of God or not (1 John 4:1), we can then determine whether a particular writing is to be included in our canon.

"If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you."
(1 Corinthians 14:23-25)

"Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10)

The Holy Scriptures themselves are prophetic by the inspiration of God for the purpose of revealing Jesus: as Lord to the lost, and as husband to the church. Therefore, not all prophecy and scripture in the world is God breathed.

PJR

"...these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." (1Corinthians 2:10)