The Thickness and Beauty of the Canon, Even if Closed

I believe, along with Christians throughout the ages, that the Bible is closed and complete. We don’t add to it, nor should we expect another to do so, at least ways that are authoritative and normative for all the Church. It would take another post altogether to explain why this is a rational belief, and how this is actually what the Bible seems to say about itself. Maybe some other time I’ll write that post.

This post is for celebration.

Think about this: the Bible consists of 66 books, written by many authors over the period of about 1,600 years. The Bible speaks to and tells stories of battles, violence, sex, fractured families, humility, friendships, love, God and gods, mercy, forgiveness, creation and destruction, shame, destitution, rebellion, miracles, salvation, hope, glory, lies, murder, redemption, and far, far more. And all of the wonder, truth, and glory therein will never be exhausted by finite creatures, even in the coming eternity of joyous, unending learning that awaits the children of God.

Yes, the Bible is “closed,” but slice it thick and grill it medium rare. All by itself, it’s a satisfying meal.

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. (Isaiah 55:2)

With 66 soul satisfying books, we are not impoverished.

Read it; study it; memorize it; trust it; live it—feast on it. That’s what it’s intended for.