A Third Testament?

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Waterfall

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Long ago (367 AD) Athanasius of Alexandria announced, at his 39th Festal letter, that no more books should be added to the Bible, nor should any be taken away.

He is credited with providing the first known finalized list of the 27 books that are still in the New Testament today.
He believed the 27 books he listed were entirely sufficient to proclaim the "Doctrine of Godliness".
He described these books as "fountains of salvation "that satisfy the spiritual thirst of believers".
The Books of Instructions included some non canonical books that differed between Protestant and Catholics even today, but the 27 book NT list remains widely accepted. (AI)

So my question is:
Does anyone think we need a "Third Testament?".....a book about generations that came after and how understandings have changed over time and newer scientific discoveries or ethical problems have arisen. If so, what should be included and what people should be trusted to write and add into a third testament?
Is it heresy to do so? Or needed IYO?
 
Here is what AI Says

AI Overview



Based on traditional Christian theology, adding a "third testament" to the Bible is widely considered heresy or, at minimum, an invalidation of the established biblical canon. Theologically, the canon is viewed as complete, and the New Testament is understood as the final covenant.
Quora +1
Here is a breakdown of the perspectives:
1. The Argument Against a Third Testament (Orthodoxy)
  • Biblical Prohibition: Revelation 22:18-19 is commonly cited as a direct warning against adding to or taking away from the words of the prophecy of the Bible, with severe warnings for doing so.
  • Completeness of Scripture: The Christian faith holds that the Old Testament predicted the Messiah and the New Testament records his life, death, and resurrection, completing the story of redemption. There is no need for further revelation.
  • Definition of Scripture: To be included in the canon, books had to be recognized as inspired by God and written by apostles or with apostolic authority.
  • Heresy Label: Proposing a new, "higher" authority or testament that alters or adds to the doctrines established in the 66-book Bible is generally defined as heresy in historic, orthodox Christianity.
    Reddit +4
2. Historical and Alternative Perspectives
  • "Third Testament" Movements: Throughout history, various groups have added to the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon, which is viewed by adherents as a testament of Jesus Christ, but by traditional Christianity as adding to the word of God.
  • Prophecy vs. Scripture: Some argue that while the Bible is complete, God can still give revelations (prophecies) today, but these are not considered to have the same authority as the Bible or to be added to it as a new "testament".
  • Redefining the Canon: Some scholars argue the canon was formed by church councils to combat early heresies (like Marcionism) and that for all practical purposes, the canon is closed.
    Reddit +4
Conclusion
While anyone can write a text, the act of proclaiming a new "third testament" to be part of the authoritative Word of God is viewed as a violation of the scriptural warnings and a departure from historic Christian faith.
 
unsafe said:
Here is what AI Says

AI Overview



Based on traditional Christian theology, adding a "third testament" to the Bible is widely considered heresy or, at minimum, an invalidation of the established biblical canon. Theologically, the canon is viewed as complete, and the New Testament is understood as the final covenant.
Quora +1
Here is a breakdown of the perspectives:
1. The Argument Against a Third Testament (Orthodoxy)
  • Biblical Prohibition: Revelation 22:18-19 is commonly cited as a direct warning against adding to or taking away from the words of the prophecy of the Bible, with severe warnings for doing so.
  • Completeness of Scripture: The Christian faith holds that the Old Testament predicted the Messiah and the New Testament records his life, death, and resurrection, completing the story of redemption. There is no need for further revelation.
  • Definition of Scripture: To be included in the canon, books had to be recognized as inspired by God and written by apostles or with apostolic authority.
  • Heresy Label: Proposing a new, "higher" authority or testament that alters or adds to the doctrines established in the 66-book Bible is generally defined as heresy in historic, orthodox Christianity.
    Reddit +4
2. Historical and Alternative Perspectives
  • "Third Testament" Movements: Throughout history, various groups have added to the Bible, such as the Book of Mormon, which is viewed by adherents as a testament of Jesus Christ, but by traditional Christianity as adding to the word of God.
  • Prophecy vs. Scripture: Some argue that while the Bible is complete, God can still give revelations (prophecies) today, but these are not considered to have the same authority as the Bible or to be added to it as a new "testament".
  • Redefining the Canon: Some scholars argue the canon was formed by church councils to combat early heresies (like Marcionism) and that for all practical purposes, the canon is closed.
    Reddit +4
Conclusion
While anyone can write a text, the act of proclaiming a new "third testament" to be part of the authoritative Word of God is viewed as a violation of the scriptural warnings and a departure from historic Christian faith.
Click to expand...
It seems that the warning in Revelation is meant by the author to not add to his book, not the whole Bible, the same as Deuteronomy 4:2. I think the placement of Revelation was strategically placed to appear it was referring to the whole Bible.

Are you also saying that God is no longer inspiring scripture for God's chosen, to write today?
And when I say scripture, I mean a holy scripture which would benefit mankind for millenials?
 
Waterfall said:
It seems that the warning in Revelation is meant by the author to not add to his book, not the whole Bible, the same as Deuteronomy 4:2. I think the placement of Revelation was strategically placed to appear it was referring to the whole Bible.

Are you also saying that God is no longer inspiring scripture for God's chosen, to write today?
And when I say scripture, I mean a holy scripture which would benefit mankind for millenials?
Click to expand...
Undoubtedly that verse in Revelation refers to that book in particular, given that the canon as we now know it was not yet existing. Although I do remember that when I started seminary the Canadian Bible Society was giving away some Bibles that were misprints---it was missing that precise verse. AS for the placement of Revelation, I have always understood it was placed there because of its link to the end times/2nd Coming of Christ, and the verse just then happens to be at the end of the canon.

I am not sure of the value of a so-called third testament, For starters how would one choose from the vast variety of Christian writings from the centuries. Who would do the choosing? Of more value is to name that in addition to that which we call Scripture there a a banquet of other Spirit-inspired (and so less inspired if we are honest) writers and writings that can help us explore who God is and how God is acting in our world.
 
Waterfall said:
Are you also saying that God is no longer inspiring scripture for God's chosen, to write today?
Click to expand...
Isaiah 40:8
Berean Standard Bible
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

So what God Inspired in His Holy Scriptures -----stands forever ---so I would say God has said everything to His chosen that He wanted to and therefore would have nothing more to say ---He gave us His Word to follow till His Plan fully plays out ----which is still on going ---
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unsafe said:
Isaiah 40:8
Berean Standard Bible
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

So what God Inspired in His Holy Scriptures -----stands forever ---so I would say God has said everything to His chosen that He wanted to and therefore would have nothing more to say ---He gave us His Word to follow till His Plan fully plays out ----which is still on going ---
​
​
​

​
Click to expand...

Ever experience a burger lord lie about invading the Assyrians? Pure Zion ... like the Trump Cat ... it'll come back ... home to rest! If you can't tell of virtue in Persia ... weave a bit!

Who'd know among a cluster that would rather not ...
 
Do we need more testaments? Would it resolve anything given Christians can't agree on how to read the two they have? Back at the time of canonization, Christianity was diverse already, but not as much as today. The debates over what is in and what is out would be loud, contentious, and divisive.

What Christianity needs more than more texts to feud over is a recognition of that diversity and acceptance that there is no one right answer. Then the acrimony and feuding could, possibly, turn to something more closely resembling dialogue and discussion.

And also more respect and recognition for the individuality of spirituality and that, to some degree, we each make our scripture/testament through our spiritual exploration. Not one collective third testament, but many personal testaments.
 
GordW said:
AS for the placement of Revelation, I have always understood it was placed there because of its link to the end times/2nd Coming of Christ, and the verse just then happens to be at the end of the canon.
Click to expand...
Interesting.
And that makes sense too since right at the beginning of Revelation it does sound like the author was referring to the end times as "soon" for the end times in Revelation 1:1, and Rev. 1:3 and 23:6. And Jesus in the Olivet discourse in Mathew 24:34 ; Mark 13:30 and Luke 21:33.....described it as within "this" generation.
 
GordW said:
I am not sure of the value of a so-called third testament, For starters how would one choose from the vast variety of Christian writings from the centuries. Who would do the choosing? Of more value is to name that in addition to that which we call Scripture there a a banquet of other Spirit-inspired (and so less inspired if we are honest) writers and writings that can help us explore who God is and how God is acting in our world.
Click to expand...
Well I wonder if more witnessed experiences may add to our knowledge. Or any inspired translations may clear up some foggy areas.
Even adding the Book of Thomas or other books that Jesus himself used for references. Things like that, that may add to common agreement and less denominations being separated in what is being worshipped because of so many possible misunderstandings.
 
unsafe said:
Isaiah 40:8
Berean Standard Bible
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

So what God Inspired in His Holy Scriptures -----stands forever ---so I would say God has said everything to His chosen that He wanted to and therefore would have nothing more to say ---He gave us His Word to follow till His Plan fully plays out ----which is still on going ---
​
​
Click to expand...
You could be right, but doesn't God continue to speak to you today?
 
GordW said:
Undoubtedly that verse in Revelation refers to that book in particular,
Click to expand...
The scripture does not say it refers only to Revelation -----

Revelation 22:18-19​

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

This says -----the words of Prophecy of this Book ------The whole Bible from Genesis to revelation is about God's word of Prophecy -----and His Prophecy is still playing out -------

Greek word fro Book
Lexical Summary
biblos: Book, scroll ,record
Strong’s Greek 976 (biblos, biblos) designates any written record—scroll, register, or codex—and thereby signals the high value Scripture places on written revelation.

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Proverbs 30:5-6​

​

5 ;Every word of God proves true. He defends all who come to him for protection.
6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you, and you be found a liar.

This is referring to all God has said ------

Deuteronomy 4:2​

​

2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.

This does not say this just refers to Deuteronomy only ---this says to the Word ----the whole Bible is God's word ------

The Bible itself is a ----book of books------66 Books inspired by God
 
Mendalla said:
Do we need more testaments? Would it resolve anything given Christians can't agree on how to read the two they have? Back at the time of canonization, Christianity was diverse already, but not as much as today. The debates over what is in and what is out would be loud, contentious, and divisive.

What Christianity needs more than more texts to feud over is a recognition of that diversity and acceptance that there is no one right answer. Then the acrimony and feuding could, possibly, turn to something more closely resembling dialogue and discussion.

And also more respect and recognition for the individuality of spirituality and that, to some degree, we each make our scripture/testament through our spiritual exploration. Not one collective third testament, but many personal testaments.
Click to expand...
I totally agree with the above, but what if something is in major error with some of those churches.....do we let it go under the guise of diversity? What if a Third testament contained a truth that can't be denied by anyone....and another gospel helped that to happen? Just look at the the 3 Abrahamic religions killing each other today.
 
Waterfall said:
I totally agree with the above, but what if something is in major error with some of those churches.....do we let it go under the guise of diversity? What if a Third testament contained a truth that can't be denied by anyone....and another gospel helped that to happen? Just look at the the 3 Abrahamic religions killing each other today.
Click to expand...
What if a third gospel had gems from Hindi, or Islam, or Buddhism that all could agree on to point out our common beliefs...or is that impossible?
 
Waterfall said:
Maybe an aha moment that enlightens you because your spiritually has grown.
Click to expand...
Well enlightenment comes by way of the Holy spirit from spending time in Scripture --Praying and putting your Faith into action ------you grow spiritually by doing what God says to do in His word ---God's word gives you everything you need to live in this life but it is up to us to cultivate that and manifest it in our lives by doing what the word says -----we have to do the work and the Holy Spirit gives you the ability to do the work needed and succeed ---
 
unsafe said:
The Indwelling Holy Spirit speaks to me daily and guides my day -----and Guides me in the Spiritual understanding of Scripture ----and guides me in my research of scripture ----- :angel:
Click to expand...
Again, that's your AI of choice giving you answers. Are you sure you're not effectively worshipping a great big datacentre?
 
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