Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, Jesus Christ is often referred to as the "Foundation," a title that underscores His essential role in the establishment and sustenance of the Christian faith. This appellation is deeply rooted in Scripture and reflects the belief that Jesus is the cornerstone upon which the Church is built.1. Foundation of the Church: The concept of Jesus as the foundation is vividly illustrated in the New Testament. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." While this passage highlights Peter's role, it is ultimately Christ Himself who is the true foundation. The Apostle Paul further clarifies this in 1 Corinthians 3:11, stating, "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." 2. Cornerstone: The imagery of Jesus as the cornerstone is a powerful testament to His foundational role. In Ephesians 2:19-20, Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." This metaphor signifies that Jesus is the essential support and alignment for the entire structure of the Church. 3. Prophetic Fulfillment: The Old Testament prophesies about the coming Messiah also allude to this foundational role. Isaiah 28:16 proclaims, "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.'" This prophecy is seen as fulfilled in Jesus, affirming His role as the foundation of faith. 4. Spiritual Foundation: Beyond the physical and organizational aspects, Jesus as the foundation also speaks to the spiritual life of believers. In 1 Peter 2:4-6, believers are encouraged to come to Christ, "a living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight." Here, the faithful are described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house, with Jesus as the cornerstone, emphasizing the spiritual unity and growth that stems from Him. 5. Stability and Security: The foundation metaphor also conveys the stability and security found in Christ. In Matthew 7:24-25, 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 illustrates the enduring strength and reliability of a life built upon Jesus and His teachings. In summary, the title "Foundation" ascribed to Jesus Christ encapsulates His indispensable role in the Church's existence, believers' spiritual lives, and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Through this title, Christians recognize Jesus as the essential support and guiding principle of their faith. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus said the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste. Nave's Topical Index Library The Fifth Theological Oration. Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Resources Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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