Shameless Popery #244 Can You Prove The Bible From The Words of Jesus?
Jan 27, 2026
A critical look at claims that Jesus alone can determine which books belong in the Bible. The discussion tests standards like reference, quotation, and invocation and shows how they lead to contradictions. It examines sectional arguments about Jewish canon boundaries and argues that Scripture by itself cannot settle the canon.
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Three Standards To Judge Canon
- Using New Testament mentions to define the Old Testament canon seems intuitive but hides problems of method and scope.
- Joe Heschmeyer warns that reference, quotation, and invocation are distinct standards that give different results.
Avoid Post-Hoc And Double Standards
- Avoid starting with a predetermined book count or applying double standards when arguing for a canon.
- Joe warns against the Texas sharpshooter fallacy and demanding higher tests for undesired books.
References Inflate The Canon
- If you include every work referenced in the New Testament, the canon balloons beyond current Bibles.
- Joe notes many New Testament passages echo Wisdom, Sirach, and Maccabees, which are absent from Protestant canons.
