Two weeks ago I wrote about how the Old Testament began.  Today let’s look closer at the New Testament.  When the New Testament was being canonized, more authority was given to the apostles than other teachers and members in the early church. This was to give as much first-hand account and accuracy as possible (similar to how we chose who would share stories about JOY’s history at our 25th Anniversary Celebration).

The New Testament tells of the experience of first-hand witnesses: apostles & close disciples to Jesus through written accounts and letters. There were manual copies of the texts within the church. All of the New Testament is consistent with Old Testament and Christ, and was widely accepted and used in the early church. The Council of Carthage canonized the Bible, including the New Testament in 397 AD.[1]  

The New Testament took nearly 400 years to develop and evolve into the collection of books we have today. This does not diminish Scripture’s Authority or truth, however. The particular collection of stories and books included in our New Testament were time tested and trusted Christian accounts carefully selected because of authorship, acceptance, validity, and message concurring with the Old Testament and first-hand accounts of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When studying Scripture, we should ask these same questions: what is the historical significance, and how does this fit in with the overall message of the Bible and who we understand Jesus to be?  In addition, we need to ask: What does this text reveal about God, about what God has done, about what God is doing here and now, and about our part in God’s plan?  Does this sound too technical for you?  Try reading the Bible with a friend or family member (it’s intended to be read in community) and ask instead: What’s confusing?  What’s interesting?  Where can I see myself in the story?  Then try asking: Where’s God?

The Bible, like many of its truths, is a paradox.  Although it was created by human beings, it also has a divine nature – not only because it’s about the Divine– but also because the living God chooses to reveal God’s self to us through the Bible and because we can and do experience God while reading Scripture.  The Bible is not God.  It is not part of the Trinity.  It is not something to worship or idolize.  Andrew Root writes, “The Bible cannot save us; we can be saved only through God’s action, which (and here is the paradox) God reveals in and through the Bible.” [2]  

Not only was the Bible written for a particular people in a particular place and time, but the Bible was also written for all people in all times, and God continues to speak relevant messages to us today through Scripture.  This is why many call Scripture God’s Living Word.  Conclusion: next week. Read Matthew 24:35, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie

Today’s Reading: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”  (Matthew 24:35)

[1] http://www.churchhistory101.com/docs/New-Testament-Canon.pdf

[2] Andrew Root.  Unpacking Scripture in Youth Ministry. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2012,  Location 591.