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Scripture Has the Final Word
The Protestant Reformation confronted a fundamental issue of authority. Every teacher, tradition, council, and confession must remain accountable to God’s Word. Sola Scriptura recognizes the value of faithful pastors and the historic church while affirming that Scripture alone is our final infallible authority.That conviction remains essential today. Spiritual experiences, influential teachers, cultural pressure, and claims of new revelation must all be tested by Scripture.The Passion Translation as a Case Study
Dave considers Brian Simmons’s account of a supernatural commission and explains why no claimed spiritual experience places a translation beyond biblical examination. The central concern is whether a rendering faithfully communicates the biblical text or introduces the translator’s interpretation into it.The episode examines five passages:- John 1:14: The wording of John’s declaration that the Word became flesh.
- Romans 1:5: Added imagery in Paul’s teaching about grace and apostleship.
- Galatians 6:1: The description of spiritual believers restoring someone caught in sin.
- 1 Timothy 2:12: How adding “newly converted” affects the apparent scope of Paul’s instruction.
- 1 Timothy 6:16: How introducing “his fullness” qualifies Paul’s statement about God’s invisibility.
Revelation, Illumination, and Scripture’s Sufficiency
The episode also addresses modern apostles and prophets, claims of continuing revelation, and the theological concerns associated with the New Apostolic Reformation. Dave distinguishes revelation from illumination: the Holy Spirit enables believers to understand and apply the truth God has already given in Scripture.Putting Biblical Discernment into Practice
- Test every teacher and spiritual claim by God’s Word.
- Use trustworthy Bible translations and read passages in context.
- Distinguish biblical commands from pastoral counsel and personal judgment.
- Help people who use the Passion Translation with patience and clear biblical explanation.
- Grow deeply in Scripture rather than becoming consumed with controversy.
