Bible Institute: Canonicity - Class #3

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Springville Road Bible Institute -

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This is  lesson #3 in a study of canonicity, a study about where we get our Bible.  Your instructor is Elder David Nichols.

1. The first link in the chain of God delivering His Word to us is inspiration.
2. The second link in the chain is canonicity.
3. Canon = Greek Kanon is defined as a measuring rod.
4. Inspiration deals with authority.
5. Canonicity deals with acceptance.
6. The Canon of the Old Testament differs from the development of the New Testament as seen below.
Old Testament   - Jewish community, Collected over several  thousand years
 
New Testament  -  Universal body of believers, Letters were sent to large geographical area, Collected over approx. 100 – 200 years

7. In 303 B.C. Diocletian ordered the destruction of the Bible.
8. The existence of a canon or collection of authoritive writings began 3000 to 4000 years ago.
9. Some of the wrong views on what determines canonicity are:
A.  Age determines canonicity   B.  The Hebrew  language determines canonicity  C.  The Torah determines canonicity   D.  Religious value can determine canonicity
10. Some right views of what determines canonicity –   A.  Inspiration determines canonicity
11. Five basic criteria of canonicity:  A. Is the letter authoritive   B.  Is it prophetic C.  Is it authentic   D.  Is it dynamic  E.  Is the book received or accepted by the people of God.
12. The Apocrypha are 15 non-canonical books written between 400 B.C. and 100 B.C.  Greek Apokryphos def. As “hidden?
13. Remember false teaching never liberates!
14. God spoke to the prophets, then He worked in the hearts of the people so they would accept it.