1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. I. THE FOUNDATION. Christianity stands opposed to every system that has entered into the mind of man. It is an original system founded upon Christ Himself. So distinct is it from all that existed before, that it changed the whole system of public worship, and overthrew the altars of heathen idolatry. And if men deny that it was done by Divine influence, the onus rests upon them to show how it was effected. Christianity is intended as that which is to lay at the foundation of all our hopes, to the overthrow of all the imaginations and discoveries of man when left to himself. II. THE LAYING OF THIS FOUNDATION. 1. The public way is to simply lay down the doctrines of salvation. 2. A personal way consists in my bringing Christ, by faith, to my own soul, and saying, with Thomas, "My Lord and my Odd!" III. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE FOUNDATION. No foundation is laid, if this be omitted; and if this be laid, all the doctrines of the gospel are brought into harmony. Is man a ruined creature? "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners." Is man enslaved and lost? Jesus Christ is "made wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." Conscience condemns, and the law aggravates the condemnation; but Christ is "the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." How many have built their immortal hopes on this foundation, and not one of them has ever sunk! And I appeal to your own experience. Is not this the foundation which has supported, and succoured, and sustained you? IV. THE UNITY OF THE FOUNDATION. It is absolutely indivisible. In vain shall any man attempt to separate it. All the good works of the Christian are the fruits of his union to Christ, the foundation. All "holy desires, good counsels, and just works, proceed" from Him: and it is impossible to mix up anything human with that which is wholly Divine. (W. B. Collyer, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.WEB: For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. |
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