Canonicity

That which marks a book as divinely inspired.

The process of collecting authentic apostolicliterature began in the first century. Though many books were written, there were tests to prove a books canonicity. The following principles were used to determine this:

a. Apostlicity. Was the book written by an apostle, or one who was closely associated with the apostles?

b. Spiritual Content. Was the book read in the churches and did its contents spiritually edify the body?

c. Doctrinal Soundness. Were the contents of the book doctrinally sound? Any book containing heresy, or any teaching contrary to the already accepted canonical books was rejected.

d. Usage. Was the book universally recognized in the churches, and was it widely quoted by the church leaders?

e. Divine Inspiration. Did it claim or give true evidence of divine inspiration? This was the ultimate test!