Canonicity of Scripture
Deuteronomy 4:1-2
Revelation 22:18-19 God has always been concerned with keeping all the scripture before the people with nothing added or taken away. He placed three warnings throughout the Bible, in the beginning, middle and end to warn about tampering with the Bible. Since it’s God’s breathed book, He determines what is scripture and what is not.
The word cannon literally means a measuring instrument and is used as a rule of action.
How is Canon Decided?
Determined by God
Thus saith the Lord. Much of the Bible is recorded by direct quote of God. 50% of Exodus and 90% of Leviticus is direct quote of God.
In addition, Jesus Himself quoted from the Old Testament freely and considered them scripture.
Jesus also pre-authenticated the New Testament: John 16:13
Confirmed by Man
Test of Authority. This meant having the authority of a lawgiver or prophet in the Old Testament and an Apostle in the New Testament. Mark was influenced by Peter and Luke was influenced by Paul.
Test of Uniqueness. Each book had to have internal evidence of its uniqueness of its inspiration.
Test of Acceptance. The books (especially New Testament) had to be accepted by the churches. None of the New Testament books had any doubt by the early churches.
When Was Cannon Accepted?
Old Testament. After Malachi, Ezra led what was called the Great Council or Great Synagogue. Under his leadership the Old Testament was confirmed canon.
New Testament.
The writers witnessed their own writings were scripture. (Colossians 4:16, I Thessalonians 4:15; II Peter 3:16)
John the Apostle was the last writer. He concluded his books near 90 AD. By 150 AD the New Testament was put together in its current form in various churches.
Note: The Catholic church did not set the canon.