The beginning here would be if and why Paul's writing is scripture and, if so, what it means in context of soteriology. You said you believe that every Christian's task is to:
…determine what is scripture or revelation, what is the correct translation and meaning of same and from this what are the correct beliefs…
I should make clear here that I'm not looking to discuss what your results are but, rather, how they are derived and so on.
Trying our own understanding is futile.
Doesn't this contradict your view above? Isn't the point of the task to arrive at your own understanding?
ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find” the truth with the help of the Holy Spirit.
I understand the statement as it refers to the topic: your methodology for determining your religious beliefs.
My question again is: What then is the basis or standard for determining which 'truth' is correct when two, using the same method, arrive at different truths?
You also have to believe that if God is perfect there will be no part of scripture that contradicts any other part of scripture. Also I believe the “two or three witnesses” also applies to scripture. No single verse can stand alone as doctrine. As an example in James 2 a verse that appears to say that faith alone isn’t enough. But there are many verses that state that’s it’s faith that saves. One cannot be right and the other wrong or God would not be consistent.
No, I am not trying to come to “my own understanding”. I am trying to come to the understanding of the Holy Spirit. Two different people will not come to different conclusions or understanding if they use scripture to interpret scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will not guide two different interpretations. If I can be shown from scripture that any understanding that I have is in error I will surely pray for the Holy Spirit to show me truth as I many times have in the past. The beliefs taught me growing up have been shown to be wrong in many instances.