Biblical Foundations for Theological Discourse and Debate
The concept of "foundation" in biblical discourse often refers to the bedrock upon which something is built, whether literally or figuratively. In its literal sense, a foundation is the lowest part of a building, providing support and stability [1]. This imagery extends to various aspects of creation, such as the heavens, the earth, the world, mountains, and oceans, all described as having foundations [1]. Cities, walls, houses, temples, and towers also rely on foundations, which are depicted as being made of stone, deeply laid, strongly constructed, and joined by cornerstones [1].
Figuratively, "foundation" is a crucial metaphor in theological discussions. For instance, the apostle Paul refers to Jesus Christ as the sole foundation upon which the church is built [4, 6]. No other foundation can be laid that will prove effective or beneficial; all alternatives are considered "sandy foundations" [4]. This foundation is established by God the Father in his eternal counsels and covenant [4].
Upon this foundation, different "materials" or doctrines can be built, some of which are compared to gold, silver, and precious stones due to their intrinsic worth, purity, solidity, and lasting value [5]. Conversely, other materials might be less durable, representing doctrines that do not withstand scrutiny [5].
The "foundation of God" also stands sure, referring to the faith of God's elect, which is seen as firm and immovable, supported by divine power and Christ's mediation [3]. This faith cannot be overthrown by false teachers, unlike a temporary or historical faith [3].
In the context of Christian ethics, the "foundation" is understood as doing God's will, rather than engaging in philosophical speculation about virtue [8]. This holiness encompasses all aspects of a person's life, including abstaining from sexual sin [8]. The "principles of the doctrine" are considered foundational elements that believers should move beyond, much like a builder does not perpetually labor on the foundation of a house [7]. The arguments Christians make for their shared faith are also considered part of this common cause [2].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Foundation — The lowest part of a building, and on which it rests -- Lu 14:29; Ac 16:26. Figuratively applied to The heavens. -- 2Sa 22:8. The earth. -- Job 38:4; Ps 104:5. The world. -- Ps 18:15; Mt 13:35. The mountains. -- De 32:22. The ocean. -- Ps 104:8. Kingdoms. -- Ex 9:18. Laid for Cities. -- Jos 6:26; 1Ki 16:34. Walls. -- Ezr 4:12; Re 21:14. Houses. -- Lu 6:48. Temples. -- 1Ki 6:37; Ezr 3:10. Towers. -- Lu 14:28,29. Described as Of stone. -- 1Ki 5:17. Deep laid. -- Lu 6:48. Strongly laid. -- Ezr 6:3. Joined together by corner stones. -- Ezr 4:12; 1Pe 2:6; Eph”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 4:15: our words--the arguments of us Christians for our common faith. Believers have a common cause.”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:19: Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure,.... That faith, which is the faith of God's elect, is of the operation of God, and is the gift of his grace, and of which Christ is the author and finisher, is firm and immovable as a foundation; it is solid and substantial; it is the substance of things hoped for; and it is permanent and abiding; it stands sure, being supported by the power of God, and prevalent mediation of Jesus Christ; and so cannot be overthrown by false teachers, when an historical faith, or the faith of temporary believers may: or the doctri”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:11: For other foundation can no man lay,.... Men may attempt to lay other foundations than Christ, and build upon them, but to no purpose; they will be of no avail; all besides him are sandy foundations; such as fleshly privileges, a carnal descent, a religious education, an external profession of religion, a man's own righteousness, and the absolute mercy of God; but men ought to lay no other, nor can they, that will be of any advantage to themselves or others: than that which is laid; by Jehovah the Father, both in his eternal counsels and covenant, when he set”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:12: Now if any man build upon this foundation,.... The different materials laid by one and the same man, on this foundation, or the different doctrines advanced upon it, are some of them comparable to gold, silver, precious stones; for their intrinsic worth and value; for the purity and sincerity of them; for their weight, importance, solidity, and substantiality; for their durableness; for the great esteem they are had in by those, who know the worth of them; and for the great usefulness they are of unto them, being rich in themselves, and enriching to them; and”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 3:11: Other foundation can no man lay - I do not speak particularly concerning the foundation of this spiritual building; it can have no other foundation than Jesus Christ: there cannot be two opinions on this subject among the true apostles of our Lord. The only fear is, lest an improper use should be made of this heavenly doctrine; lest a bad superstructure should be raised on this foundation.”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”
- 1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 4:3: 4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy: The foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical speculation about virtue but doing God’s will (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:36; 13:20-21). Holiness (1 Thes 4:4, 7) embraces all of a person’s life (5:23); here it involves staying away from sexual sin (Greek porneia, any sexual union outside marriage).”