The Recognition, Formation, and Closure of the Canon

As previously noted, the story of the Bible is ultimately the account of God’s providence. It is the record of his work throughout history, giving his people his revealed will in written form. Having considered how he inspired his Word, it is now necessary to examine the process of canonization.The Nature of the CanonWhen speaking of the canon of Scripture, the question concerns what belongs in the Bible and what does not. The sixty-six books of Scripture were not the only writings produced during biblical history. Other works circulated, such as the Gospel of Thomas or the Book of Enoch. Paul himself indicates in his correspondence with the Corinthians that he wrote additional letters not preserved in the New Testament. Many writings addressed God, Israel, Christ, and related subjects, yet were never included in the biblical canon.The canon, therefore, refers specifically to those books that properly belong in the Bible.The term “canon” derives from a Greek word with roots in a…