Lost Books of the Bible
by Pastor Walter Snyder

Q: What does the Bible say about people who claim to have and study so called "lost books
of the Bible"?

A: We should first note that Scripture doesn't specify exactly what qualifies a book for inclusion
as "God's Word" or how many of these books there should be. In Biblical studies, the word
"Canon" refers to the books commonly accepted as part of the Scriptures. There is no one
"canonizing authority" and what should be included varies among churches, confessions,
denominations, and individual Christians. "Deuterocanonical" means "of the Second Canon." In
Roman Catholicism, it refers basically to what much of the rest of Christendom calls the
~Apocrypha~ (Greek for "hidden"). These books weren't ever "lost," but were never fully
accepted among all Christians. Even certain of the "Sixty-six," the books common to most
Christian Bibles, met with varying degrees of rejection. These include Esther, Jude, Revelation,
and others.

While a few quotes or references to these books appear in the New Testament, this doesn't mean
that they should be automatically accepted and used as the revealed Word of God. Paul quotes
pagan philosophers and the Gospels, as well as and Genesis and Job, directly quote Satan. It could
be that they were used to illustrate divine points by using commonly understood references. Early
Church Fathers were divided as to how these books should be used. They were included in many
early Bibles and were affirmed as part of the Roman Catholic canon by the Council of Trent in
1546. Luther included them, not considering them on a par with other books but still profitable
for Christian edification. You can still buy Bibles that include the Apocrypha and while I don't
consider these books on a par with the "Sixty-six," we can learn much from them.

These, however, aren't what people mean when they talk about "new" scriptures. Instead, they
mean either recently discovered works or older manuscripts that continue to resurface with new
packaging. Many of these parallel the New Testament in large part, but then veer off into ideas
not contained in the Bible. Collectively, a large number of them are called the ~Pseudepigrapha~
("Fake Writings"). Some of these are relatively orthodox but others are blatant contradictions of
the Old and New Testaments. While some may come from "honest" misinformation, others look
like intentional attempts to spread false doctrine. "Gospels" account for many of these frauds,
including the "Gospel to the Hebrews," the "Gospel of Thomas," and others.

While the Bible doesn't directly condemn someone who claims to have found a new scripture, it
offers certain warnings. These include the dire predictions at the end of Revelation. These caution
against either subtracting from or adding to "this book." It's not clear, however, whether John
meant "Bible" or "Revelation" as the book. Yet even if it were only Revelation, all Scripture
stands opposed to anything that contradicts it. Whether by a modern cult or an ancient sect, no
one has produced or found other books that agree in doctrine with those we commonly accept.
While there still may be "lost books" that were spoken or written under divine inspiration, they
would have to agree in fact and in faith with those we already have. And even if "newer" books
are discovered, there is no "Newer Testament." The work of Christ is done, our salvation is
complete, and nothing can be added to His efforts without detracting from them.

Anyone who produces or promotes anything contrary to the clear words of Scripture that we
already have is promoting false doctrine. Here the Bible is abundantly and forcefully clear. All the
warnings about "wolves in sheep's clothing," of the "doctrines of man" or the "doctrine of
demons" address such heretical and damnable offerings. So if a new book agrees in doctrine and
doesn't contradict the facts of Scripture, if it appears to have prophetic or apostolic origins, we
would be justified in accepting it. We wouldn't "have" to, but we "could" claim it as Scripture.
But if we accept anything that denies Christ, ignores other Scriptures, or leads people into false
belief or practice, it stands condemned by Scripture and by the Christian Church.

Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of
the book "What Do Lutherans Believe."

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from ~The Holy Bible, English Standard Version~<TM>, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.

Ask the Pastor, © 2002 by Walter P. Snyder. It may be reproduced in totality, including this disclaimer, by anyone, provided that no profit is generated by said republication and redistribution. Translations into other languages should similarly note the United States and any appropriate international copyrights, as well as God's Scriptural injunctions concerning the property of others.