Bible Canon

THE BIBLE CANON : M. M. NINAN
They contain demonstrable errors; for example:
A. The Apocrypha contains chronological and historical errors. e.g.
Baruch 1:2 (comp. Jeremiah 43:6-7); Bel and the Dragon 22 (Xerxes did it); Bel and the
Dragon 33; Revolt of Jeroboam took place in 931 BCE long before Tobit was born; The
rebellion of the northern tribe against Jerusalem in 1 Kings 12:19-20 took place around 922
B.C. Yet the Book of Tobit itself says he lived only 158 years – Tob 1:3-5; 14:11
Judith mistakenly identifies Nebuchadnezzar as king of the Assyrians (1:1, 7).In fact he was
the king of Babylon (2 Kings 24:1).
B. It contains geographical inaccuracies:. Tobit 1:4; 6:1; 9:2 (This was an 11 day
journey.)
C. False teachings contrary to the rest of the sciptures are found in it.
1. Prayers for the dead.
2 Mac 12:44,45 12:44 For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise
again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead.
12:45 But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in
godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he made atonement for the dead, that
they might be delivered from their sin.
2. Salvation through good works (almsgiving, etc.). Sirach 3:34, 14, 30; 30:11-12 2;
Esdras 7:7; 8:33, 36; Tobit 12:9, 8a; 14:11 “Whoso honoureth his father maketh an
atonement for his sins...Water will quench a flaming fire; and alms maketh an atonement
for sin” (Sirach 3:3, 30). “alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin.” Tobit
12:9
3. It teaches reincarnation “For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit. Yea rather,
being good, I came into a body undefiled.” Wisdom 8:19,20
4. Forbids helping sinners. "Give to the godly man, and help not a sinner. Do well unto him
that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly; hold back thy bread, and give it not unto
him...give unto the good, and help not the sinner.” Sirach 12:4-7
D. Magic and witchcraft are recomended in: demon exorcism. Tobit 6-8; healing. Tobit
11; as charm Sirach 8:19; incense as charm against spirits Tobit 6:2-7,
16-17 .
E. The intercession of angels is justified Tobit 12:15 (Raphael)
F. Teaches the doctrine of purgatory: 2 Maccabees 12:43-45, 2.000 pieces of silver were sent
to Jerusalem for a sin-offering...Whereupon he made reconciliation for the dead, that they might
be delivered from sin
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