Each year as we enter Eastertide I think about some of the historical magical events that occurred during this time of year. One of them was the Easter letter of 367 from Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. In this letter he gave an exact list of the books that would become the New Testament, alluding to the concept that the books were “being canonized.” While there had been earlier attempts (around 200 AD) to list the appropriate Christian writings, it wasn’t until the Synod of Hippo (393) and Councils of Carthage (397, 419) under St. Augustine that the canon was “closed.” The closed canon concept reflected a belief that public revelation had ended and thus the inspired texts were complete and authoritative.

Those canonical books were debated over and over until agreement was reached by the religious authorities (Bishops of the Church). We, as believers consider these canonical books to be the inspired word of God and an authoritative history of the relationship between God and his people. So, why do we use the word “canon?” The word is derived from the Greek noun “kanon” meaning “reed” or “cane,” or “rule” or “measure.” It is derived from the Hebrew word “kaneh” and is often used as a standard of measurement. Thus, a canonical text might be considered a single authoritative edition given to help us measure our relationship with God. While the Bible as we know it is closed, there is also something called an open canon. This type of canon permits additions through the process of continuous revelation. While the Bible may not be “added to or taken from,” YOU are an open canon and in the process of measuring value to God and those you come in contact with.

I don’t know about you, but I love the concept of having a new opportunity to “etch in” a new verse or story in the canon of my life each day. Abraham’s, Isaac’s, Jacob’s, David’s, Solomon’s, Jesus’, Peter’s, John’s, and Paul’s canons are closed, but yours is still open. In the same way they became object lessons and created illustrations for us, we have the capacity to do the same for others. You are a living, breathing and walking testimony to Christ Jesus. It is important that you realize this. Let me give you an example. If you just consider one chapter (Proverbs 1) of Solomon’s writings look at what he is saying about himself: “Here are the positive results you get from my knowledge” (15 times), “Here are the negative results you will get if you don’t follow my wisdom”(31 examples), “Listen to me” or the use of personal pronoun I/my (13 times). Solomon knew he could make an impact on others because he, like you, did not live in a vacuum. Paul illustrated the same mindset when he wrote to Timothy.

Every day you have the ability to write new verses into the chapters of your canon. You do so as an act of your own free will. While I may not be able to explain predestination completely, you should know that the gift of being one of God’s chosen means you must have been gifted with the tools necessary to write those verses perfectly for yourself and those in your sphere of influence. Your chapters and verses will be the subject of many conversations with your peers, who have produced their own canons, in heaven. Don’t forget your joy as you write.

Love, Dad