Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 29:79 (Autumn 2025)
Article: Editorial
Author: Ron J. Bigalke, Jr.

Editorial

Ron J. Bigalke

Digital version correction: The print version was erroneously labelled Volume 30:79 and is being corrected for digital versions such as Logos, the Galaxie Theological Journal library, etc. to 29:79.

The tendency to venerate tradition is too common in religion. Even among religions that revere sacred writings, their works are frequently combined with tradition, which becomes the basis for interpreting the written word. Tradition can become the superlative authority, particularly when adherents regard it as the only authoritative interpretation of those sacred books. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his day for making tradition superior to Scripture. They interpreted God’s Word based upon tradition and elevated their beliefs and interpretation to a greater authority than the sacred Word. Sadly, in many instances, the traditions contradicted and negated Scripture. Speaking to the religious leaders, Jesus said, “you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition. . . . And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your traditions” (Matt 15:3, 6).

God intended his revealed Word to be the exclusive and supreme authority (Exod 24:4, 7; 34:27; Deut 31:9; Josh 1:7-8; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 4:6; 2 Tim 2:2; 3:15-17; Rev 22:18-19). Scripture alone was inspired by God and thus inerrant. God revealed his Word through apostles and prophets who He superintended through the process of inspiration so that the written Scripture is truly his Word and without error. The fact that Scripture alone is authoritative means it is entirely sufficient for everything – whether explicitly or implicitly – that people need to know to understand who God is and how to live in a manner honoring and pleasing to Him. Everything necessary for salvation and the spiritual life is revealed in Scripture. The Word of God faithfully taught and rightly divided is sufficient to perform all that is necessary to fulfill the Lord’s purposes. The closing stanzas of Psalm 119 affirm the sufficiency of Scripture to draw individuals to faith in God, to enable one to mature in godliness, to provide guidance necessary for life, and even to bring transformation and revival to society.

John M. Wiley’s article is last in the series of articles for this Journal though certainly not due to lack of significance. Indeed, his research demonstrates the supremacy of God’s revelation through analysis of various revelatory terms in Psalm 119. Russell T. Booth’s contribution affirms “the legitimacy of linguistics within grammatico-historical exegesis” (p. 124) and thereby aids in gleaning the intended meaning of the biblical text by means of consistent application of hermeneutical principles. Steve Lewis has presented the original intent of the bride and marriage supper figures i...