TRD,
Thanks for the time you put into your thoughtful response.
Unfortunately, I find myself in disagreement with the argument that the scriptures are "merely our primary testimony of Him". They reveal Him. They reveal the true words he spoke. They delineate how to place faith in Him. And on and on. They are not merely the primary source. They are THE source of instruction for what must a man do to be saved.
You will search the scriptures in vain to find instructions to bow before man made images of God as a way of salvation. This is simply a tradition of man.
As to Paul's words... I learned Greek in seminar, so I do understand the meaning of the words used. Though anyone can use the good tools today that make the original languages accessible. The NT canon was not formed when Paul wrote these words - agreed. But Peter obviously was familiar with Paul's writings - so there were revealed books in circulation as letters to the Churches. There is nothing in Paul's words that limits them to just the Hebrew scriptures. Paul himself knew he was writing under the inspiration of God. It would be self-defeating to argue that he didn't include those inspired words.
Thankfully, we can agree that Jesus Christ is the Pearl of Great Price!
blessings to you,
ampu
That's the "living torah" doctrine.