Topical Encyclopedia In Christian theology, the concept of Christ as the foundation is central to understanding the structure and stability of the Church and the believer's life. This metaphor is deeply rooted in Scripture, where Christ is depicted as the cornerstone and the foundation upon which faith is built.Biblical References 1. 1 Corinthians 3:11 · "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." This verse underscores the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ as the foundation. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that any attempt to build upon another foundation is futile, as Christ alone is the basis of the Christian faith. 2. Ephesians 2:19-22 · "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit." Here, Paul illustrates the Church as a spiritual building, with Christ as the cornerstone. The apostles and prophets laid the initial groundwork, but it is Christ who holds everything together, ensuring the unity and growth of the Church. 3. Isaiah 28:16 · "So this is what the Lord GOD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.'" This Old Testament prophecy points to the coming Messiah, who would be the unshakeable foundation for those who trust in Him. It highlights the reliability and strength of Christ as the foundation. 4. Matthew 7:24-25 · "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock." Jesus uses this parable to teach the importance of building one's life on His teachings. The rock symbolizes Christ and His words, providing stability and resilience against life's challenges. Theological Significance The imagery of Christ as the foundation is rich with theological implications. It signifies that Christ is the essential support and source of strength for the believer. Just as a building relies on a solid foundation to stand firm, so too does the Christian life depend on Christ for spiritual stability and growth. Christ as the Cornerstone The cornerstone is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, and all other stones are set in reference to it. This metaphor highlights Christ's preeminence and the necessity of aligning all aspects of faith and practice with Him. As the cornerstone, Christ ensures the integrity and coherence of the Church, guiding its direction and purpose. Practical Application For believers, recognizing Christ as the foundation means prioritizing His teachings and example in every aspect of life. It involves a commitment to building one's life on the principles of the Gospel, ensuring that faith is not swayed by external pressures or false doctrines. This foundation provides assurance and hope, as believers are anchored in the unchanging truth of Christ. In summary, the concept of Christ as the foundation is a profound and essential element of Christian doctrine, emphasizing His role as the central and sustaining force in the life of the Church and individual believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus said the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 3:11 Greek 2602. katabole -- a laying down ... 2602 ("foundation-plan") typically relates to Christ's incarnation, ie coming to earth in the flesh to be our Redeemer. This divine ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2602.htm - 7k 386. anastasis -- a standing up, ie a resurrection, a raising up ... 935. basileus -- a king 4401. procheirotoneo -- to appoint beforehand Library What it is to have Christ for a Foundation, and who they are to ... Psalm 118 Part 3 Christ the Foundation of his Church. Christ is Made the Sure Foundation Psalm 118:3. 22 23. Third Part. Christ the Foundation of his ... The True Sense of the Passage (I Cor. Iii. 11-15) About those who ... The Foundation of God On the Union of Believers with Christ The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ... On Faith in God and Christ The Foundation of the Church among the Heathen Resources What does the Bible say about hope? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the rock in Matthew 16:18? | GotQuestions.org Who was Zerubbabel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Foundation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Foundation: Decrees and Purposes of God Foundation: Doctrines of the Apostles Foundation: Figuratively Applied to Kingdoms Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Earth Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Heavens Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Mountains Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Ocean Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The World Foundation: First Principles of the Gospel Foundation: Joined Together by Corner Stones Foundation: Security Afforded By Foundation: Security of Saints' Inheritance Foundation: The Lowest Part of a Building, and on Which It Rests Related Terms Foundation-stone (1 Occurrence) |
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