Biblical Canon

The C&MA affirms the 66-book Protestant biblical canon as the complete written revelation of God. The Old Testament consists of 39 books (the Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament of 27 books. This canon was formally recognized by the early church councils and is affirmed by the C&MA as containing all that is necessary for faith and practice.

The C&MA affirms that the biblical canon is closed — no books are to be added to or subtracted from it. While the process by which the canon was formed is acknowledged (the early church's recognition of apostolic and prophetic authority), the result is that the 66 books are now the complete and final Word of God in written form. The deuterocanonical books (called the Apocrypha by Protestants), accepted by Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, are not considered canonical by the C&MA, though they may be read for historical and devotional value.

The C&MA's commitment to biblical authority in matters of faith and practice depends on this closed canon. Scripture is self-interpreting and self-authenticating; the Holy Spirit witnesses to the authority and truthfulness of Scripture as believers read and study it. The canon provides the authoritative basis for doctrine, ethics, and all aspects of Christian life and church practice.