The phrase "foundation of the world" is a significant theological concept found throughout the Bible, often used to denote the beginning of creation and the establishment of God's divine plan. In the Berean Standard Bible , this phrase appears in several key passages, each contributing to a deeper understanding of God's eternal purposes and the unfolding of His redemptive work.

Biblical References:

1. Creation and Divine Sovereignty:
· The concept of the "foundation of the world" is first and foremost linked to the act of creation itself. In Hebrews 1:10 , it is written, "In the beginning, Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands." This verse underscores God's sovereignty and creative power, establishing Him as the ultimate architect of the universe.

2. Eternal Purpose and Election:
· The phrase is also used in the context of God's eternal purpose and election. Ephesians 1:4 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence." This passage highlights the doctrine of election, indicating that God's plan for salvation and sanctification was established before the creation of the world.

3. Christ's Sacrificial Role:
· The sacrificial role of Christ is intricately connected to the foundation of the world. In Revelation 13:8 , it is mentioned, "And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was slain." This verse reveals that Christ's redemptive work was foreordained, emphasizing the preexistence of God's salvific plan.

4. God's Foreknowledge and Wisdom:
· The foundation of the world is also associated with God's foreknowledge and wisdom. In 1 Peter 1:20 , it is written, "He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake." This passage affirms that God's plan, centered on Christ, was established in His divine wisdom long before it was revealed to humanity.

5. Judgment and Accountability:
· The concept also appears in the context of judgment and accountability. Matthew 25:34 records Jesus saying, "Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.'" This indicates that God's kingdom and the ultimate judgment were part of His divine plan from the very beginning.

Theological Implications:

The "foundation of the world" serves as a reminder of God's eternal nature and His sovereign control over history. It emphasizes that God's plans are not reactive but proactive, established before time began. This concept assures believers of the certainty and reliability of God's promises, as His purposes are rooted in eternity. The foundation of the world is a testament to God's omniscience, omnipotence, and the meticulous unfolding of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.