1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon… To amplify this, consider, there may be a twofold building or addition to the Word of God, either destructive and corruptive, such as wholly overthroweth the true meaning and sense of the Holy Ghost. And this is a very dangerous sin. Or else perfective and explicative. Thus the New Testament was added to the Old as a perfective addition, not corruptive; though it could not have been added as Scripture, but that the authors thereof had a Divine infallibility. And now what the ministers of God in their ministerial labours do, it must be an addition explicative of the foundation, though it be not with Divine infallibility. Secondly, the Word of God, which containeth the foundation that the apostles have laid, may be either considered in respect of the words only, or in respect of the sense clothed with words. In the next place, let us consider why we ought so to take heed, and that is to be manifest in many respects. First, from God Himself, His glory and honour is greatly concerned herein. Secondly, on God's part we are to take heed because He hath so severely threatened all those that add or detract to His Word. Any that shall alter these foundations or change these bounds. Secondly, on the people's part. Therefore we ought greatly to take heed. For — 1. The Word of God in the true sense of it is the only food and nourishment of the soul. 2. If we build not on this foundation, the preaching of the Word loseth those glorious and excellent effects for which it is appointed. 3. On the people's part we had need to take heed, because they are more prone and ready to receive any corrupt sense than the pure meaning of the Scripture.Lastly, on the minister's part it is necessary theft he should take heed. For — 1. He hath not a magistery but a ministry committed to him. 2. He is accountable for all the sin and error people run into through his neglect. 3. He must take heed because, though a man do preach the substantials and the necessary things of salvation purely, yet if he add or mix any corrupt opinions, though of a less nature, that man's salvation is very difficult. (A. Burgess.) Parallel Verses KJV: According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. |
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