📖 “What About the Missing Books?” — Understanding the So-Called ‘Lost Books’ of the Bible

There is a growing trend among some individuals to reject reading the Bible altogether because of claims that the Bible is not “complete” — that there are “missing books” which have been hidden or deliberately excluded. This notion has caused confusion, skepticism, and in some cases, rebellion against the truth of God’s Word.

Let’s examine this concern with biblical clarity, historical understanding, and spiritual accuracy.

🧭 Does the Bible Mention Other Books?

Yes, the Bible does refer to several other writings that are not part of the 66 canonical books. For instance:

• The Book of Jasher – Joshua 10:13; 2 Samuel 1:18

• The Book of the Wars of the Lord – Numbers 21:14

• The Acts of Solomon – 1 Kings 11:41

• The Book of Nathan the Prophet and Gad the Seer – 1 Chronicles 29:29

• The Book of Shemaiah the Prophet – 2 Chronicles 12:15

• The Sayings of the Seers – 2 Chronicles 33:19

• The Epistle to the Laodiceans – Colossians 4:16

So yes, these books are referenced, but referencing a book doesn’t mean it was inspired by God or meant to be included in the canon of Scripture.

📜 Why Weren’t These Books Included?

Here’s what we must understand:

1. The Bible is a Divinely Preserved Canon

The Bible is not a random human compilation. The 66 books (39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament) were written under divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16), preserved by God, and recognized by the early Church as canonical through careful criteria, such as:

• Apostolic authority

• Doctrinal consistency

• Widespread usage in the churches

• Evidence of inspiration

2. Some Referenced Books Were Simply Historical Records

Books like “The Book of Jasher” or “The Book of the Wars of the Lord” were likely historical or poetic records — useful culturally or historically but not inspired Scripture.

3. God Has Not Left Us with an Incomplete Bible

Jesus quoted from the Old Testament and affirmed the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (Luke 24:44). The apostles preached from these same Scriptures. The early Church had access to what we now call the New Testament, and these 27 books were recognized as inspired long before any formal council declared it.

🚫 Don’t Fall for the ‘Lost Books’ Trap

Books like:

• The Gospel of Thomas

• The Book of Enoch (only partially quoted in Jude)

• The Gospel of Judas

• The Infancy Gospel of James

…are often lumped into the so-called “lost books of the Bible.” These writings emerged centuries after the apostles died, were filled with doctrinal errors, and contradicted the person, work, and teachings of Jesus Christ. That’s why they were rejected.

🛑 Rejecting the Bible Because of “Missing Books” Is a Deception

Let’s be honest — the issue is often not that people can’t trust the Bible, but that they don’t want to submit to it. Claiming that it’s incomplete becomes a convenient excuse to stay in unbelief.

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) says:

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword…”

That’s what many people are avoiding — the power of the Word to confront sin, change hearts, and demand obedience.

🔥 What Should You Do?

1. Read the Bible yourself. Don’t let rumors rob you of the treasure of God’s Word.

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. The Author of Scripture lives in the believer and will illuminate the Word.

3. Don’t chase sensationalism. Stick to the truth of the inspired Word.

4. Submit to God’s revealed counsel. His Word is life, not bondage.

📌 Final Thought

The Bible is not missing anything essential to your salvation, your calling, your deliverance, or your destiny.

If God wanted a book in His Holy Scripture, it would be there.

Instead of asking “What’s missing?” — ask, “What am I missing by not reading the Bible?”

🕊️ The Word of God is not incomplete. The problem is incomplete obedience to the Word already given.

The Message Bearer, Cornelius Bella