[SuzyQue]

Had He wanted these "lost books" to be a part of the Bible - they would have been part of the Bible as we know it today.

They weren't lost to God. He knew where they were and made sure they stayed put.

So, what does that fact that they are not "lost" now mean? Interesting question.

[nmh]

You said it best!

They're really not lost ... .

[HarleyD]

The Church fathers, particularly Augustine and Jerome, closed the canons simply because it was becoming harder and harder to keep trace of the inspired writings. The early leaders had a set criteria of determining what was inspired. They at least knew what was inspired and what wasn't. Since the early fathers themselves forbid adding new writings to what they deemed inspired, this "lost" book simply doesn't qualify.

The trouble is for the Catholics they have lost the term what inspired writing is. The latest piece of paper that pops up in a clay jar and everyone is goggled eyed over it.