Biblical explanation
Jesus referred to the Old Testament using the familiar threefold description: "the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms." Luke 24:44, KJV The New Testament contains the apostolic writings that testify to Jesus Christ and His teachings. The Bible itself does not contain a verse saying, "There are exactly sixty-six books." Therefore, the number of books should not be confused with the authority of Scripture. The authority comes from God, not from the numerical count. The 66-book Protestant canon is a canonical classification, not a number explicitly revealed in Scripture. This is an important distinction for honest Bible study. Scripture teaches the authority and inspiration of God's Word. It does not provide a complete table of contents with a numerical total.
Key takeaway
The great controversy reveals God's character as Christ ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The dead await the resurrection, Christ's return will be visible and personal, and prophecy calls believers to faithful mission rather than date-setting or fear.