The Church decided the canon. How do you know you have the correct canon?

[ScottA]

If the Church truly went rogue as the reformers claimed, then wouldn’t it be conceivable for all of us come to up with our own canon on that basis?

That's EXACTLY what has happened. But make no mistake, the word of God is under His providence alone, regardless.

These have been and are indeed the days of God pouring out His spirit upon all flesh. Hence the multitude of canons and claims. In translation, God pouring out His spirit upon "all" flesh, means both good and evil, and anything goes--that is, for a time. Then comes the big finish...showing the gentiles and even the church as being as far astray as Israel who crucified Christ in the flesh. The only thing worse is to do the same in the spirit--which is exactly what we have been witnessing, and even partaking of.

The good news is, in spite of our folly, God also promised to lead us into all truth by that same Holy Spirit, and to finish the mystery of God as He declared to His servants the prophets.

 

[The Gospel of Christ]

Who cares about the right canon when no ones' even following the plot anymore?

Its like sitting someone down to watch all six Star Wars films in order — the whole saga: Anakin’s fall, Luke’s rise, the battle between light and darkness, the redemption, the prophecy, the climax.

Now imagine that person gets to the end and says:

“You know, I think the Emperor was actually the good guy.
Yoda was the real villain.
Luke and Leia were both evil and deceived trying to stop the good emperor.
And Vader was just misunderstood.”

At that point, you’re not even mad — you’re just stunned. Because it doesn’t matter which version of the trilogy they watched — original, remastered, special edition — they missed the plot so catastrophically that the canon itself becomes meaningless.

Why argue about the right script if you’re going to rewrite the whole story anyway?
That’s exactly what happened in Church history.

Theological movements — especially starting in the 1800s — twisted the Gospel so hard, Jesus became a background character, Satan got rebranded, and people started inventing entire religions from thin air.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Church had already drifted off-script centuries earlier, turning the Gospel into a bloated imperial system. By the time the Protestant Reformation exploded, everyone was arguing about which “canon” was valid — while forgetting to actually follow the plot.

The “We Read the Same Bible, But Somehow Invented a New Religion” All-Stars:

1. Seventh-day Adventists (1863):
Jesus came back in 1844… but invisibly. Also, Saturday or bust.

2. Jehovah’s Witnesses (1870s):
Jesus returned in 1914… also invisibly. Heaven’s a VIP club with a 144,000-person guest list.

3. Mormons (1830):
God used to be a man. Jesus visited America. And you can become a god with your own planet. Totally normal.

4. Christian Science (1879):
Illness? Fake. Pain? Illusion. Hospitals? Optional.

5. Shakers (1800s):
No sex, ever. Celibate utopians who danced for Jesus — and went extinct.

6. Oneida Community (1848):
Communal marriage and selective breeding. Holy swingers, Batman.

7. Millerites (1844):
Predicted Christ’s return. He ghosted. The Great Disappointment ensued.

8. Dispensationalism (1830s): (The worst of all of them, literally from the pit.)
Split the Bible into dispensations. One gospel for the Jews, one for the Church. Invented the Rapture™ and derailed Evangelical theology.

9. Pentecostalism (1906):
Started in revival. Ended in stage magic and fog machines. Still spawning sub-denominations.

10. Christadelphians (1840s):
No Trinity. DIY end times. Jehovah's Witness Lite.

11. Swedenborgians (1800s):
Three-layer heaven, secret meanings in every verse. Full-on metaphysical LSD.

12. Armstrongism (1930s):
British-Israelism and Sabbatarian legalism. Everyone else is apostate but us.

And the Catholic Church? No pass.
They lost the plot centuries before the 1800s ever got weird.
They turned the Gospel into a power structure — selling indulgences like spiritual NFTs, torturing reformers, inventing purgatory as a money printer, and stockpiling relics like they were loot drops from God Himself.

And the Pope?

He doesn’t just sit on a throne —
He wears a triple-tiered crown once associated with Dagon, the ancient fish-god of the Philistines — a water demon whose worship stood directly opposed to the God of Israel.

You read that right:
The so-called “Vicar of Christ” wears a crown modeled after a pagan fallen angel.
And from that throne, he dares to claim he’s sitting in Peter’s seat — as if the man who died crucified upside down for his Savior would ever bless an empire of gold and corruption.

The Vatican didn’t preserve the Gospel.
They crucified it again, then put a jeweled hat on its corpse.

Bottom line to all of it..

When you rewrite the roles so that Christ becomes a cameo, Paul and Jesus preach two gospels, Missouri becomes Eden, and the Pope wears a fallen angel crown while claiming to sit in Peter’s seat...

You’re not watching the Gospel anymore.
You’re watching E.T. The Extra Terrestrial — and calling it Star Wars: The Final Cut.

At that point, arguing about which books are canon is like debating whether Greedo shot at Han Solo first — when the whole film’s been dubbed in Klingon and projected backwards.

Follow the story.
Or stop pretending you care what’s canon.

 

[talons]

9. Pentecostalism (1906):
Started in revival. Ended in stage magic and fog machines. Still spawning sub-denominations.

Pentecostalism was a return to first century Christianity , but maybe you don't see it that way .

 

[Dan Clarkston]

Most Pentecostal churches are freaky deaky.

Last time I went to one they had the pastor's wife preaching (she appeared to be the one wearing the pants in their family) and then the pastor wanted to pray over me and then he tried to push me down to make it look like I had been "slain in the spirit" which is not biblical as they teach it.

In the Bible those that fell down backwards were enemies of the Lord... those the the Lord favored fell frontwards bowing down to Him in worship and honored the Lord.

 

[ProDeo]

Most Pentecostal churches are freaky deaky. View attachment 63495

Last time I went to one they had the pastor's wife preaching (she appeared to be the one wearing the pants in their family) and then the pastor wanted to pray over me and then he tried to push me down to make it look like I had been "slain in the spirit" which is not biblical as they teach it.

Terrible.

In the Bible those that fell down backwards were enemies of the Lord... those the the Lord favored fell frontwards bowing down to Him in worship and honored the Lord.

Exactly.

 

[One 2 question]

Because even though men decided which books, it was God directing the decision. Just like He directed the authors of Scripture what to write.

It is like, because Hitler became a leader and decided who to persecute, God being sovereign, directed this persecutors steps right to the Jews.

Or like Pharaoh, Trump, Mandela, the Pope.

Just because the Koran was written has been preserved to this day, it doesn't mean it is being used for God's glory and pleasure.

Nature was created good and for His pleasure. But we humans worship the creation at the expense of the Creator. Not good.

Anything can become an idol and worshipped. Even the writtings of holy humans who are carried along by the very Spirit of God. I made the bible an idol and was instructed to repent of worshipping this idol.

I have come back to the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ and worship Him.

 

[quietthinker]

The Church decided the canon. How do you know you have the correct canon?​

'Cuz the ammunition and the barrel are complementary.

 

[One 2 question]

The canon the devil is scared of that blows him away and forces him to leave... is the right cannon.

The reformers and self proclaimed "orthodox" are still entertaining the devil so they don't have the right canon View attachment 63461

Do you think Satan cares what biblical canon he uses. They are all weapons in his arsenal. Just ask Jesus, He was tempted by Satan who used the scriptures who knows how many times. The limited accounts in the bible only tell of 3 occasions.

 

[One 2 question]

Who cares about the right canon when no ones' even following the plot anymore?

Its like sitting someone down to watch all six Star Wars films in order — the whole saga: Anakin’s fall, Luke’s rise, the battle between light and darkness, the redemption, the prophecy, the climax.

Now imagine that person gets to the end and says:

“You know, I think the Emperor was actually the good guy.
Yoda was the real villain.
Luke and Leia were both evil and deceived trying to stop the good emperor.
And Vader was just misunderstood.”

At that point, you’re not even mad — you’re just stunned. Because it doesn’t matter which version of the trilogy they watched — original, remastered, special edition — they missed the plot so catastrophically that the canon itself becomes meaningless.

Why argue about the right script if you’re going to rewrite the whole story anyway?
That’s exactly what happened in Church history.

Theological movements — especially starting in the 1800s — twisted the Gospel so hard, Jesus became a background character, Satan got rebranded, and people started inventing entire religions from thin air.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Church had already drifted off-script centuries earlier, turning the Gospel into a bloated imperial system. By the time the Protestant Reformation exploded, everyone was arguing about which “canon” was valid — while forgetting to actually follow the plot.

The “We Read the Same Bible, But Somehow Invented a New Religion” All-Stars:

1. Seventh-day Adventists (1863):
Jesus came back in 1844… but invisibly. Also, Saturday or bust.

2. Jehovah’s Witnesses (1870s):
Jesus returned in 1914… also invisibly. Heaven’s a VIP club with a 144,000-person guest list.

3. Mormons (1830):
God used to be a man. Jesus visited America. And you can become a god with your own planet. Totally normal.

4. Christian Science (1879):
Illness? Fake. Pain? Illusion. Hospitals? Optional.

5. Shakers (1800s):
No sex, ever. Celibate utopians who danced for Jesus — and went extinct.

6. Oneida Community (1848):
Communal marriage and selective breeding. Holy swingers, Batman.

7. Millerites (1844):
Predicted Christ’s return. He ghosted. The Great Disappointment ensued.

8. Dispensationalism (1830s): (The worst of all of them, literally from the pit.)
Split the Bible into dispensations. One gospel for the Jews, one for the Church. Invented the Rapture™ and derailed Evangelical theology.

9. Pentecostalism (1906):
Started in revival. Ended in stage magic and fog machines. Still spawning sub-denominations.

10. Christadelphians (1840s):
No Trinity. DIY end times. Jehovah's Witness Lite.

11. Swedenborgians (1800s):
Three-layer heaven, secret meanings in every verse. Full-on metaphysical LSD.

12. Armstrongism (1930s):
British-Israelism and Sabbatarian legalism. Everyone else is apostate but us.

And the Catholic Church? No pass.
They lost the plot centuries before the 1800s ever got weird.
They turned the Gospel into a power structure — selling indulgences like spiritual NFTs, torturing reformers, inventing purgatory as a money printer, and stockpiling relics like they were loot drops from God Himself.

And the Pope?

He doesn’t just sit on a throne —
He wears a triple-tiered crown once associated with Dagon, the ancient fish-god of the Philistines — a water demon whose worship stood directly opposed to the God of Israel.

You read that right:
The so-called “Vicar of Christ” wears a crown modeled after a pagan fallen angel.
And from that throne, he dares to claim he’s sitting in Peter’s seat — as if the man who died crucified upside down for his Savior would ever bless an empire of gold and corruption.

The Vatican didn’t preserve the Gospel.
They crucified it again, then put a jeweled hat on its corpse.

Bottom line to all of it..

When you rewrite the roles so that Christ becomes a cameo, Paul and Jesus preach two gospels, Missouri becomes Eden, and the Pope wears a fallen angel crown while claiming to sit in Peter’s seat...

You’re not watching the Gospel anymore.
You’re watching E.T. The Extra Terrestrial — and calling it Star Wars: The Final Cut.

At that point, arguing about which books are canon is like debating whether Greedo shot at Han Solo first — when the whole film’s been dubbed in Klingon and projected backwards.

Follow the story.
Or stop pretending you care what’s canon.

I have a simple solution. Forget the law, don't focus on the scriptures, sideline the bible. Instead acknowledge the Holy Ghost, fix your attention on the Spirit of Christ and make the Spirit of God the main Character in this part (on earth) of the Divine blockbuster.

 

[One 2 question]

Pentecostalism was a return to first century Christianity , but maybe you don't see it that way .

You seem to say that in a positive way.

Why would the maturing church, the grown up body of Christ want to go back to its infancy stage? Drinking breast milk. Crawling on all fours. Speaking gibberish.

She has been growing now for 2000 years into Christ. His bride is being formed, developing into her glorious state of completeness when she'll be presented to Christ the Groom.

Let's not pray that her Father reverses the growth process and returns her to her infancy. Rather that He brings her to full maturity.

 

[One 2 question]

The good news is, in spite of our folly, God also promised to lead us into all truth by that same Holy Spirit, and to finish the mystery of God as He declared to His servants the prophets.

Great news hey. As you stated, God promised to lead us into all truth by that same Holy Spirit, and to finish the mystery of God.

The responsibility to form and grow the body of Christ belongs to the sent Holy Spirit. Sent to carry out a task that not even the Holy angels were capable of achieving.

The Spirit of Christ in us, His body part on earth is Father's focus. This is according to His eternal purpose.

Eph 3:10&11 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

[One 2 question]

These have been and are indeed the days of God pouring out His spirit upon all flesh.

Yes, He is instrumental in the work of redeeming people to God from amoung all flesh.

Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.

And for what purpose?

Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

What a fantastic and brilliant hope we have to look forward to.

 

[ScottA]

Yes, He is instrumental in the work of redeeming people to God from amoung all flesh.

Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.

And for what purpose?

Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

What a fantastic and brilliant hope we have to look forward to.

It's happening now--it's been happening since Christ the firstfruits. However, the pouring out of God's spirit upon all flesh--it was both good and evil, first poured out upon Christ, and since then made manifest in His body, manifest both in death and life everlasting. We drink the cup with Him. The finish of which was and is that sealed portion foretold by Daniel and previewed by John, yet sealed until the seventh angel when he is about to sound. This is that time.

 

[One 2 question]

Who cares about the right canon when no ones' even following the plot anymore?

Yes agreed. Instead we can invest our time and energy in establishing a closer deeper relationship with the resident Spirit.

I'm so grateful He has made me His mobile home and comes with me everywhere I go.

He is our Supplier of truth, Who knows the complete mind of God. He knows every word that comes from God's mouth. He knows the full counsel of the Godhead, being One of Them Himself.

Why would we go back to what Jesus said 2000 years ago to His people the Jews, the lost sheep of Israel, pre- church, when now we have access to the glorified, appointed Head of the church through His Spirit in us.

 

[St. SteVen]

The Church decided the canon. How do you know you have the correct canon?​

'Cuz the ammunition and the barrel are complementary.

Well said.
Having read some of the early church writings that didn't make the cut, I'll have to say that the 66 book canon hit the mark.

That being said I think the question about whether God wanted us to have a Bible at all is a good question.
For the most part this has led to a dependence on a book rather than a dependence on the author. (bibliolatry)
A dependence on reading words rather than hearing His voice. A relationship with an institution rather than God.

[

 

[Taken]

The Church decided the canon. How do you know you have the correct canon?​

Broad, Vague, yet Detailed questions, mysterious wonderings, and endless Opinions to consider (through the centuries of WHO is the one of momentary Clout and Status) pointing to WHO of the people at large, Trusts and Promotes WHO’S Opinions, at Any given time???

Bottom Line…

“IF” Jesus EVER “Said or Promoted” … THIS ….
Trust THIS”! BE His Way, His Desire For You

“IF” Jesus EVER “Said, Promoted, Warned, Cautioned AGAINST … THAT …
Trust THAT Warning BE NOT His Way, His Desire For You to seek, to Choose.

Catholics say this, Protestants say that, Jews say this, Gentiles say that, Christians say this, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus….etc.
Blah, Blah, by Ethnic Origin, Natural National Citizenry and by Religious Association…EVERY Individual HAS ONE Thing…
* To Decide…
* To Choose…
* To Heartfully Believe…
* To Heartfully Reject…

KEY to the Mystery Of and For Every Individual…

** IS “their ONE Heartful Belief….
“AT the EXPRESS Moment of THEIR OWN Natural Mortal Death…

****
Human men WAVER …hear, wonder, believe, doubt, believe, deny, wonder, delve in, get side tracked …with entertainment, fun, family, finances, wag their tongue shouting Freedom, while plotting in the secrecy of shadows to oppress another’s Freedom…

No there iS NOT some wild hoax notion of 20, 30, 40, 50 Thousand “supposed” Different Religious “Denominations”.

There WAS and IS throughout the History of manKIND…
MANY…
who Wander, Waver, Jump on this and that “momentary” Bandwaggon…
AND…
FEW…
WHO Choose…
AND…
HEART-FULLY COMMIT Once and Forever …
THAT…
Only The Heavenly Creator and Maker Lord God Almighty… “BE THEIR God”.

God CAN, Has, Does, routinely… KILL the Mortal Life (ie. blood), of Human Men…
And THEN “Revive” “Restores” “Returns” a human mans Natural life (blood) to a man.

A “resurrection” regarding a mans “NATURAL Life”.
IS Nothing “Historically” new.

* The infamous “First” resurrection… IS NOT, in regards to “Restoring, Reviving” …the Natural, Mortal, BLOOD Life of ANY Human Men!

The ONLY…Accounts, Records, Evidence, Books…THAT “MATTER”….
IS Gods “Records” of “Evidence”.

iS an “Individual man”… IN Gods “Records”…
Accounted…
WITH ….or WITHOUT the Lord God Almighty…..Period.
**
“according to Opinions of Men?”
IRRELEVANT!
**
“according to Gods Records?”
Precise, Express, Determining, Just, Faithful Truth
Absolute? Yes!

Doesn’t matter, what “religious Organization” any man associates with, dabbles in, learns about, discusses, debates, “identifies with”, wears as his banner of “name Association”, changes, wiggles, wavers…

It ALL “hangs on” “IF” an “INDIVIDUAL”…
“Is” or “is not” …
Signed, Marked, Sealed, Delivered-ED, FROM…the possibility of an individual “EVER” able to be Separated “FROM” the Lord God Almighty.

^^^^ “THAT” presently …Applies…TO “FEW”…
And “futurity”…Applies…TO “FEW”.

The ONCE…Already “Saved”… Done Deal!
The WAVERING… Continues For Millions.

Glory to God.

“Are Sav-ED” done deal.

1 Cor 1:
[18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

“Many Still Wavering”…
“Many Still Pretending joining , this religious organization, wearing this “identifying name tag” defines “their “ Salvation…!!
Nope!

Mark 16:
[16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

It IS NOT…
A mans Opinion, Dictation, Status, Influence, Title, Throne, Seat, Attire, Jewels, Wealth, Armed Guards, Promise, Covenant, Cannon, Doctrine… that “Establishes” “a Mans One on One, Once and Forever Relationship WITH the Lord God Almighty”.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[talons]

You seem to say that in a positive way.

How very observant of you !

Why would the maturing church, the grown up body of Christ want to go back to its infancy stage? Drinking breast milk. Crawling on all fours. Speaking gibberish.

Would you like to list the improvements made to Christianity after the first century ? Improvements in the Gospel ?

 

[Dan Clarkston]

Would you like to list the improvements made to Christianity after the first century ? Improvements in the Gospel ?

Yes, he wants to hear the "new and improved gospel" that goes beyond what God's Word teaches where he has become open to all the spirits floating around who teach things that oppose God's Word leading people away from the Lord with doctrines of demons.

It's the falling away the Lord spoke of in the end times but he thinks it's enlightenment

 

[BreadOfLife]

You'll find this "fascinating" also.

The only thing I find "interesting" is how you never have an actual response to topic at hand - and instead vomit out your usual "Cult of May" idiocy . . .

Does it scare you that the Canon of Scripture was declared by the Catholic Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

 

[St. SteVen]

One 2 question said:
Why would the maturing church, the grown up body of Christ want to go back to its infancy stage? Drinking breast milk. Crawling on all fours. Speaking gibberish.

Would you like to list the improvements made to Christianity after the first century ? Improvements in the Gospel ?

Good question.

I agree with you that Pentecostalism is a return to the ways of the early church.
An attempt to regain what was taken from us through unbelief.
It's a very honorable pioneering work.

I was surprised to read the criticism from @One 2 question

[