A False Foundation
Scripture Doctrines Illustrated
1 Corinthians 3:11
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.…


One was once brought, in the course of providence, into the company of a young lady who was just recovering from a dangerous illness. Speaking of her illness, among other things, she said, "At one time I sent for my honoured parents, and beloved brothers and sisters, and took, as I thought, my last farewell of them. Both the physicians had given me up, and my friends expected to see me no more." "We seldom meet with a person," said the other, "who has been so near to death as you have been. Pray tell me what were your feelings when you were on the verge of eternity." "I was happy," she replied. "And will you please to tell me what were your prospects?" "I hoped to go to heaven, of course." "Had you no doubts, no fears, no suspicions?" "None." "Perhaps almost all hope to go to heaven; but I fear," said the young man, "there are many who have no good foundation for their hope: pray, on what was your hope founded? "Founded!" she replied: "why, I have never injured any person, and I had endeavoured to do all the good in my power. Was not this sufficient?" "It is a delightful reflection," said the student, "that you have never injured any person, and it is still more delightful to think that you have done all the good in your power; but this is a poor foundation for a sinner to rest upon. Was this the foundation of your hope?" She seemed quite astonished at the question, and eagerly inquired, "Was not this sufficient?" The student did not give a direct answer; but observed, "I am very thankful that you did not die." "What! do you think I should not have gone to heaven?" "I am sure you could not in the way you mentioned. Do you perceive that, according to your plan, you were going to heaven without Christ? — a thing which no sinner has done since Adam fell, and which no sinner will be able to do while the world stands. Be very thankful, dear Miss, that you did not go out of life resting on this delusive foundation: for had you done so, the moment that you entered eternity, it would have given way, and you would have fallen through it into the bottomless pit." God carried home this word to her soul: light broke in upon her mind. From that day a decided change took place in the young lady's views; and a corresponding holiness, and love, and zeal, and usefulness, have adorned her life.

(Scripture Doctrines Illustrated.)



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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