Topical Bible: Foundation: Security Afforded By

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical theology, the concept of a foundation is often used metaphorically to describe the security and stability provided by a firm and reliable base. This imagery is prevalent throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation in both spiritual and practical aspects of life.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament frequently uses the imagery of a foundation to convey the idea of security and permanence. In Isaiah 28:16 , the Lord declares, "Behold, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken." This passage highlights the Messiah as the cornerstone, providing a secure foundation for those who trust in Him.

The Psalms also reflect on the security afforded by a divine foundation. Psalm 18:2 states, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Here, the psalmist portrays God as a rock and fortress, underscoring the stability and protection found in Him.

New Testament Foundations

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the ultimate foundation for believers. In 1 Corinthians 3:11 , Paul writes, "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." This verse affirms that Christ is the only true foundation upon which the church and individual lives can be securely built.

The parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27 further illustrates this principle. Jesus teaches, "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." This parable emphasizes the security and resilience of a life founded on obedience to Christ's teachings.

Spiritual Implications

The security afforded by a firm foundation is not only a physical or structural concept but also a spiritual reality. Believers are encouraged to build their lives on the teachings and person of Jesus Christ, ensuring stability amidst life's trials and uncertainties. Ephesians 2:19-22 describes believers as being "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." This passage highlights the communal aspect of the church, united and secure in Christ.

Practical Applications

The biblical concept of foundation extends to practical applications in daily life. Proverbs 10:25 states, "When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever." This proverb contrasts the fleeting security of the wicked with the enduring stability of the righteous, who are grounded in God's truth.

In summary, the Bible consistently portrays a firm foundation as essential for security and stability. Whether in the context of personal faith, the church, or moral living, a foundation rooted in God and His Word provides the assurance and resilience needed to withstand life's challenges.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 7:25
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell not: for it was founded on a rock.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 6:48
He is like a man which built an house, and dig deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently on that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded on a rock.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Contradiction Between Our Life and Our Christian Conscience.
... and above all, it is unsafe to part with the security of life afforded by the ... help
still believing in them because they are the only foundation we have to ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter v contradiction between our.htm

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ...
... was spent, there was no foundation of hope ... also, this charitable assistance being
afforded most seasonably ... a structure that provided both for security and for ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the famine.htm

On the Government of God
... The foundation thus laid, they would be in a fit ... the most glorious conquests of Rome
had afforded far greater ... to the Goths and Vandals for security against an ...
/.../salvian/on the government of god/iv on the government of.htm

The Conquest of Babylon.
... The surface which served as the foundation for the ... To make the security complete
in this respect ... the natural disposition of the surface afforded facilities for ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter viii the conquest of.htm

How Caius was Slain by Cherea.
... and take the opportunity that Providence afforded; and that ... we ought to have procured
them security for the future, and, by laying a foundation for the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how caius was.htm

How Herod Slew Hyrcanus and Then Hasted Away to Caesar, and ...
... and contented himself with what that afforded him: but ... those very actions, which
were the foundation of the ... to procure for his greater security, he conducted ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how herod slew.htm

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and Berea.
... and, at the same time, it afforded them a ... not be found, they were satisfied with
taking security from Jason ... of his testimony as the only foundation of faith. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xix paul and silas.htm

St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ.
... the advantages of education which that enlightened age afforded. ... to destroy it from
its foundation"Therefore his ... God when they witness the security of sinners ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon ix st pauls wish.htm

Luke xxiii. 42, 43
... and Advantages, which God in mercy hath afforded them, to ... Hope without any Ground,
or solid Foundation: but is ... been fatally corrupted into a Security in sinning ...
/.../sermon xvii luke xxiii 42.htm

Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren.
... the thing becomes to thee a foundation of good; but ... by his own and Apollos' names,
he afforded them power ... but by deceiving us, and throwing us into security. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/against publishing the errors of.htm