“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter” (2 Thess. 2:15).
It is common to separate Scripture from Tradition. But here Paul says that Apostolic Tradition is divided by written and oral.
Now clearly, “by our letter” is referring to 1 Thessalonians, which is later was accepted as Scripture. And “by word of mouth” is taking about oral teaching.
Conduct, Prayer, and Liturgy
“For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not irresponsible when we were with you” (2 Thess. 3:7).
Tradition, which refers to that which is passed down, should include the way of life pf yhe Apostles. This would include their ethical conduct, prayer life, and liturgy.
Reason and Experience
Add to those, reason and personal experience, and you have a firm foundation for reforming Christianity into a vital religion of transformation and spiritual power that can help people return to God through Christ.
The Fourfold Foundation
Even though the threefold model has some value, a fourfold may speak more clearly to our current understanding. Scripture and Tradition has been separated in the minds of most.
The fourfold foundation for Progressive Christianity is the truth discerned by universal collective consensus through a careful use of Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Personal Experience.