For several good reasons, evangelical Christians believe that the biblical canon, with exclusive authority, was closed with Revelation, the last book in the Bible. One of the reasons is embedded in the parable of Jesus that was verbalized at the end of his speaking ministry, recorded in Matthew 21. The distant owner (God) sent servant/managers (prophets/priests) to declare for his venue and property. The authorized messengers were mistreated and rejected, leaving the owner’s purpose unfulfilled. Finally, the owner sent his son in the assumption that he would be honored as son of the owner – therefore authoritative. The son was killed to remove the chief barrier to the interlopers’ plans. Their violent action reflected arrogance and rebellion that would be judged sternly when the owner arrived for claim in the future. (Christ’s mission is in the analogy.)
The main lesson in the parable, included in other biblical references as well, is that the final approach of God to man is made through the Son. This is a vital point in Christianity. The Son is the final representative and authority. The words finally or last days appear in the context of the narrative. The meaning is that now the whole story has been revealed. It is final. There is nothing to be added. Who can offer more? What credentials do alleged prophets and scribes own that would be superior to the Son? To assume position superior to Father and Son is a form of irreverence, perhaps blasphemy, additions unneeded by the Son or the son’s message. Jesus gave the last word and shall return, taking up where he left off. No one was ordained to add new authoritative or inspired words, to embellish grace, to provide further basic information. With Jesus everything has been said and done that needed to be said and done. It is finished, he said. Everything bearing authority emanates from exposition of completed Scripture after his departure, by apostles, ministers, witnesses, laymen or angels who followed their hearts to ministry, ministry to themselves and others. In what way are alleged new doctrines, writings, revelations, and the like needed? What information do they add? In some instances the new information contradicts Scripture meaning. Which sources have authority? Further, the warning of Scripture is that no additions should be made. According to Revelation 22:18-19, violations invoke fearful sanctions. The unchanging and final authority of Scripture alone is a gift of God to us. Cultures are evaluated by Scripture, not the reverse, Scripture by cultures. Scripture is finished – complete.
The Epistle to the Hebrews (1:2) affirms that God spoke finally by his Son. The ministry of the apostles affirmed the finality of Christ, the nurture of the saints, and honor to God. Others holding good intentions but unauthorized, have added new doctrines, new writings, new claims. The entry of the Holy Spirit into the Church, to carry through the promise of Christ as clarified in the Scriptures is all that is needed. The complexities of theology are interesting, but the credentials admitting one into God’s kingdom are basic, unchanging, and explained clearly to seekers of spiritual truth. The tendencies of extra biblical groups lead to sectarian approaches that divide Christians and provide fuel for negative critics. Critics may see through additions and the ruses of mankind burdening faith and ministry with unwarranted, sometimes bizarre, and newly imposed traditions. These attachments to the biblical gospel are unneeded, burdensome documents. All of this relates to faithfulness to Christ. He is not displaced or added to in matters of faith and practice. To try to offer other insights from other sources as guides to faith must be done at a secondary level to that of Scripture, the inspired source. The gospel of Christ has been declared by Scripture and needs nothing more to provide necessary light. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020