Musing – Why can we trust the Canon of Scripture?

 Hebraic Musing – Why can we trust the Canon of Scripture?

Canon is “a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged.”  The Bible is the Rule, the Measure, the Standard.  Here’s why we can rely on the Bible.  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

Scripture did not come from man!  “…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-22   All Scripture has come to us from the Holy Spirit.  Jeremiah heard the Word directly from the LORD.  “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’… Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: ’Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.’” Jeremiah 1:4-9 NKJV

Does Scripture speak with Authority?   From Jesus!  “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” Mathew 5:17-18    Joshua was given authority and a promise.  “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Joshua 1:7-9   Wow! This is a “prosperity message”!

Scripture is our source of sound Doctrine.   We are told to avoid false doctrine(s).  “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer.” 1 Timothy 1:3   And then 1 Timothy 6:3-4 tells us why.  “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,…”  And 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns us – “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers. and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”  Is Timothy’s prophetic statement coming true even today?!?!

How important is the right doctrine?  “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.  He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”  2 John 9-11

Scripture is Apostolic, it comes from chosen apostles.  “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone,” Ephesians 2:19-20

The Old Testament is called the TaNaK (Hebraic abbreviation for Torah, Prophets, Writings.) and Jesus affirmed the TaNaK.  “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Hebrews 1:1-2    Consider the number of times Jesus and NT writers referenced the O.T.   The N.T. books abided by these rules: (a) Apostolic authors; (b) Agreed with Canon of truth; (c) Universal Acceptance; (d) Self-authenticating Divine Nature.  Have you ever read a book like the Bible with over 40 authors and yet has no contradictions?!?!

Points to Ponder
Might God’s promises to Joshua also apply to us today? 
“Being “Strong and Courageous”   leads to    “Prosperity & Success”!

Is Scripture (the Bible) a gift to you from the Holy Spirit?

♫ Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           April 29, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired from SS lesson from Corey Corrick, March 9, 2025