Topical Encyclopedia The term "foundation" in the context of Christian theology often refers to the essential teachings and doctrines laid down by the apostles, which form the bedrock of Christian faith and practice. These foundational doctrines are derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ and were disseminated by the apostles through their preaching and writings, as recorded in the New Testament.Biblical Basis The concept of the apostles' doctrines as a foundation is explicitly mentioned in Ephesians 2:19-20: "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." This passage highlights the integral role of the apostles' teachings in the establishment of the Church, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, ensuring that all doctrine aligns with His life and teachings. Core Doctrines 1. The Deity of Christ: Central to the apostles' teaching is the affirmation of Jesus Christ's divine nature. John 1:1-14 emphasizes the Word becoming flesh, underscoring the belief in Christ's pre-existence and divinity. The apostles consistently taught that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, a doctrine essential for understanding the nature of salvation. 2. Salvation by Grace through Faith: The apostles taught that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This doctrine underscores the sufficiency of Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. 3. The Resurrection of Christ: The resurrection is a cornerstone of apostolic preaching, as it validates Jesus' victory over sin and death. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Paul emphasizes, "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." 4. The Holy Spirit: The apostles taught about the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. The Spirit is described as a helper, guide, and source of empowerment for living a Christian life. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 5. The Church: The apostles laid the foundation for the Church as the body of Christ, a community of believers united in faith and purpose. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, Paul writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it." The Church is seen as the primary means through which God's purposes are fulfilled on earth. 6. The Second Coming of Christ: The apostles taught that Jesus would return to judge the living and the dead, a doctrine that provides hope and urgency for believers. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul describes this event: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." Role of the Apostles The apostles were chosen by Christ to be His witnesses and to establish His teachings. Acts 2:42 describes the early Church's devotion to "the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This devotion underscores the authority and importance of the apostles' doctrines in shaping Christian belief and practice. Preservation and Transmission The apostles' teachings have been preserved through the New Testament writings, which serve as the authoritative source for Christian doctrine. The early Church Fathers and subsequent Christian theologians have built upon this foundation, ensuring the continuity and integrity of apostolic doctrine throughout the ages. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:20And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Foundation of the Church. Erroneous Opinions Imputed to the Apostles. Name of the Church. --Its Form Traced Back to Christ Himself. Choice and Training of the Apostles to be Subordinate Teachers. The Apostles' Creed. The Declaration of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. ... The Service Common to Two or Many Apostles. The Foundation of the Church among the Jews That one God was the Author of Both Testaments, is Confirmed by ... On Laying the Foundation of the New Chapel, Near the City-Road ... 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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