Critiquing the Apocrypha (Belgic Confession 6a)
Rev. Angus Stewart explains the Belgic Confession's (Article 6) distinction between canonical and apocryphal books, clarifying why Protestantism rejects the apocryphal writings as inspired Scripture while allowing them for instructional use. The article compares Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox approaches to the apocrypha, defending the Reformed principle that only the 66 canonical books carry full authority for doctrine and faith.
Rev. Angus Stewart Belgic Confession 6: The Difference Between the Canonical and Apocryphal Books We distinguish those sacred books from the apocryphal, namely: the third book of Esdras, the books of Tobias, Judith, Wisdom, Jesus Syrach, Baruch, the appendix to the book of Esther, the Song of the Three Children in the Furnace, the History of Susannah, of Bell and the Dragon, the Prayer of Manasses, and the two books of the Maccabees. All of which the church may read and take instruction from...