6 The Qualities of the Canon

6 The Qualities of the Canon

As we have taken a brief overview as to some areas of the New Testament Canon, James Meyers, III considers how we might know what is and what is not Canon. Has God given us a means by which we might distinguish between authentic or inspired books and inauthentic or uninspired books. James gives three main corresponding qualities or attributes which, taken as a whole, give us the means for our own confidence in our New Testament Canon. However, as James clarifies, the work of the Holy Spirit is essential toward this end. Without Him, we cannot see, let alone enter, the kingdom of God, and therefore we are blind and deaf to His Word. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@seaoffireministries?si=wYiBJRtcrAeIKgw3]

6 Known and Yet Unknowing

In this message, James Meyers, III speaks on the fifth chapter of Hosea about the knowledge of God: both our knowledge (or lack thereof) of God and God’s knowledge of ourselves. How known do we desire to be? In our fallen condition, since we are not what we ought to be, we hide from ourselves, from others, and from God fearing complete exposure. However, God knows us and we cannot hide from Him. Rather, we should seek to know Him, and in knowing Him, we know ourselves, and by His grace we no longer hide from others, but expose Christ in us, which is the hope of glory. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@seaoffireministries?si=wYiBJRtcrAeIKgw3]

5 The Authors of the Canon

James Meyers, III considers whether the New Testament authors knew they were writing divinely inspired texts, or whether they were unaware and the church later decided they were inspired and, therefore, should be collected into a Canon. This is another secularist position which reflects the Marcionite mood of disregarding the heritage of Old Testament Scriptures. James considers this and discloses some New Testament texts which demonstrate the authors knew they were transmitting an inspired written form for the people of God, just as they would have expected due to the Old Testament dispensation. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@seaoffireministries?si=5FNOVIVkskAY1JnS]

5 Hear the Word of the Lord

James Meyers, III preaches on the fourth chapter of the Book of Hosea, which is a litigious text, which is essentially an arraignment in which God charges the people for their sins. The three main charges are the loss of truth (or faithfulness), mercy (or love/devotion), and knowledge of God. James considers these as relational, marital, and covenant terms, reflecting the image henceforth of Hosea and his wife, Gomer. James compares this chapter to Romans 1:18-32, where what Hosea says to Israel, Paul attributes to Gentiles as well. He concludes with Proverbs 1:7 to consider the fear of God as the beginning of knowledge. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@seaoffireministries?si=5FNOVIVkskAY1JnS]

4 I, Jesus, Take Thee, Sinner

Today, James Meyers, III preaches on the wonderful third chapter of Hosea. To him, this short chapter is filled with the Five Solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (in Scripture Alone), Sola Fide (by Faith Alone), Sola Gratia (through Grace Alone), Solus Christus (in Christ Alone), Soli Deo Gloria (to the Glory of God Alone), and is one of the finest chapters in the Old Testament containing the Gospel of Christ. In these five verses, we have the unwavering Sovereign Grace of God redeeming us to himself while we were yet sinners for His own glory which is our glory. Sea of Fire Ministries on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@seaoffireministries?si=ytmaEgYRpZPNk7hr]