Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem - This post is part of my year-long journey through Dr. Wayne Grudem's world-renowned Systematic Theology. I welcome and hope for your interaction.
Chapter 3 - The Canon of Scripture
Audio and notes from Dr. Wayne Grudem's Sunday school class:
Wayne Grudem - The Old Testament Canon
Wayne Grudem - The New Testament Canon
Note: hover your mouse over the above player to find the start button.
Download Wayne Grudem's Notes - The Canon of Scripture
We ended last week's article with the conclusion that God's written words in the Bible are the most reliable place for us to know God, and to understand his desires.
However, if we are going to base our lives on the words in this book, how can we know that we have the right books in the Bible?
A very important question, right?
Here's the "Reader's Digest" version of Grudem's answer:
- God began the canon of Scripture with his writing of the 10 Commandments.
- God instructed Moses to write down everything from Mount Sinai, and Moses continued his writings throughout his life.
- Joshua, and those who filled the office of prophet continued writing the words of God until God quite speaking around 435 BC with the book of Malachi.
- Although Jewish history continued to be written by historians, these same historians lamented the fact that God has not spoken since Malachi.
- God then came speaking in the person of Jesus Christ.
- The recorded words of Jesus, in the Gospels, and the Holy Spririt inspired words of the apostles were now God's design to communicate to his people.
- God's divine word to his people ended with the book of Revelation and the canon of Scripture is now closed.
A foundational belief that we have the actual words of God in our Bibles in critical. We are certain to come upon rough theological waters as we continue, and without this belief, we are certain to struggle even more.
I believe that the words contained in my ESV Study Bible are the actual words of God.
How about you? What are your beliefs? Actual words of God?
Homework: Next week we move to chapter four: The Four Characteristics of Scripture.
