What if the Bible wasn’t complete? What if books were missing—or added—because of human agendas? For centuries, the Bible has stood as the unchanging Word of God, guiding Christians in their faith and shaping the Church. Yet, in every age, voices have risen to challenge its authority, attempting to distort its message or undermine its truth.
In today’s world, skepticism toward Scripture is on the rise. Popular culture, intellectual movements, and even some within the Church question the Bible’s reliability, arguing for the inclusion of other writings or reinterpretation of its timeless truths. For young Christians, understanding why we trust the Bible and defending its integrity is vital. This essay explores how the canon of Scripture was formed, the modern challenges to its authority, and the Church’s responsibility to stand firm against contemporary heresies.
Words: 1542 / Time to read: 8 minutes
How the Canon Was Formed
What Is the Canon?
The word “canon” comes from the Greek kanon, meaning a rule or standard. The canon of Scripture refers to the collection of books recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and practice. The Bible we hold today—66 books from Genesis to Revelation—was not randomly chosen or invented by people; it was recognized through God’s guidance and the work of the Holy Spirit.
R.C. Sproul once said, “The Church did not create the canon; she recognized, discovered, and accepted it. The authority is inherent in the books themselves.” These books were not included because they were popular or useful but because they carried the mark of divine inspiration.
The Old Testament Canon
The Old Testament canon was recognized by the Jewish community centuries before Christ. Known as the Hebrew Bible or the Tanakh, it consists of three divisions: the Law (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi’im), and the Writings (Ketuvim). These Scriptures were preserved by Jewish scribes with extraordinary care. Jesus Himself affirmed the Old Testament, referencing it as “the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44).
The New Testament Canon
The New Testament canon emerged in the first few centuries of the Church. Early Christians relied on specific criteria to recognize inspired texts:
- Apostolic Authorship: Written by an apostle or someone directly connected to them.
- Orthodoxy: Consistent with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
- Universal Acceptance: Widely recognized and used by the Church for teaching and worship.
By the 4th century, the Church formally affirmed the 27 books of the New Testament through councils such as the Synod of Hippo (393 AD) and the Council of Carthage (397 AD). Leaders like Athanasius and Augustine were instrumental in solidifying the canon, ensuring it reflected God’s revelation rather than human ideas.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The formation of the canon was ultimately guided by the Holy Spirit. As Jesus promised in John 16:13, “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” The Church did not arbitrarily decide the canon; it discerned what God had already inspired.
Modern Challenges to the Bible
The Inclusion of Extrabiblical Texts
One recurring challenge is the argument for including extrabiblical texts in the Bible. Books like the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, or the Gospel of Judas are often portrayed in media as “lost gospels” suppressed by the early Church. These texts, however, were never considered part of the canon for good reason:
- Late Composition: Written centuries after the events of the New Testament, these texts lack apostolic authorship.
- Doctrinal Errors: Gnostic gospels promote ideas that contradict the Bible, such as secret knowledge or the denial of Christ’s humanity.
- Limited Use: These writings were never widely accepted by the Church.
John MacArthur writes, “The Gnostic texts were rejected because they distorted the gospel and introduced a false Christ. They do not belong in the canon because they undermine the very message of salvation.”
Reinterpretation of Scripture
In addition to external challenges, reinterpretation within the Church poses a significant threat. Some contemporary leaders argue that the Bible must be reinterpreted to align with modern values, particularly on issues like sexuality, gender, and morality. These reinterpretations often involve ignoring or redefining clear biblical teachings to fit cultural trends.
Paul warned against this in Galatians 1:8: “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” Rewriting Scripture to fit societal preferences leads to a false gospel that cannot save.
Postmodern Skepticism
Postmodernism challenges the very idea of absolute truth, including the authority of Scripture. It argues that the Bible is merely a human product, shaped by cultural and historical contexts, rather than God’s inspired Word. This view undermines the Bible’s claim to be “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16–17) and opens the door for subjective interpretations.
The Church’s Responsibility to Stand Firm
Biblical Warnings Against Distortion
The Bible itself warns against altering God’s Word. In Deuteronomy 4:2, Moses instructed, “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it.” Similarly, Proverbs 30:6 warns, “Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” The final warning in Revelation 22:18–19 underscores the seriousness of preserving Scripture’s integrity.
Paul’s words to Timothy offer encouragement, especially for young believers: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture” (1 Timothy 4:12–13). These verses remind Christians that defending the Word begins with knowing it and living it out faithfully.
Examples of Defending Orthodoxy
Throughout history, the Church has faced heresies and defended the truth of Scripture:
- Athanasius vs. Arianism: In the 4th century, Athanasius defended Christ’s divinity against the heretical teachings of Arius. His unwavering stand helped preserve orthodox doctrine.
- Martin Luther and the Reformation: During the Reformation, Luther challenged the Catholic Church’s additions to Scripture, reaffirming the authority of the 66 books.
These examples show how standing firm on God’s Word has been critical to preserving the gospel.
Standing Firm Today
In our generation, defending the Bible requires clarity, courage, and conviction. Young Christians must be equipped to address challenges from skeptics, media, and even peers. This means knowing not only what we believe but why we believe it.
As J.I. Packer wrote, “The Bible is God’s Word to us; it is true, authoritative, and sufficient. To doubt it is to doubt Him.”
Why the 66 Books Are Sufficient and Final
Unity of the Bible
The Bible’s unity across its 66 books testifies to its divine origin. Written over 1,500 years by more than 40 authors, it tells a single, cohesive story: God’s redemption of humanity through Christ. Prophecies in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 53, are fulfilled in the New Testament, demonstrating its supernatural consistency.
Divine Inspiration and Endurance
The Bible declares its sufficiency and divine inspiration:
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
- Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers, the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Unlike human writings, Scripture is eternal and unchanging, reflecting the character of God Himself.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit not only inspired Scripture but also helps believers understand and apply it. Jesus promised, “The Holy Spirit…will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). Trusting in the Spirit’s guidance, we can stand confident in the Bible’s authority.
Practical Steps for Young Believers
In a culture that often questions the Bible, young Christians can take specific steps to defend and uphold its truth:
- Know the Word: Spend time reading and studying Scripture to understand its message and context.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to wrestle with tough topics or seek answers from trusted mentors and resources.
- Speak Boldly: Share what you believe with confidence, even in the face of opposition, knowing that God’s Word is truth.
- Rely on the Spirit: Pray for discernment and wisdom in navigating challenges to your faith.
As Paul encouraged Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Conclusion
The Bible is God’s inspired, authoritative Word—unchanging, sufficient, and final. While every generation has faced challenges to its authority, the Church has stood firm, defending the truth of Scripture against heresies and distortions. Today, young Christians are called to take up this mantle, knowing the Word, living it out, and boldly proclaiming its truth.
In a world that constantly questions what is real and reliable, the Bible remains a sure foundation. As we trust God’s Word, we declare with confidence: His truth endures forever.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
