The concept of "Returning to Foundations" in the biblical context often refers to a call for believers to return to the core principles and teachings of the faith as established in Scripture. This theme is prevalent throughout the Bible, where God frequently calls His people to remember and adhere to the foundational truths and commandments He has given.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the call to return to foundational truths is evident in the repeated exhortations to remember the covenant established between God and His people. Deuteronomy 6:4-9, known as the Shema, serves as a central foundation for the Israelites: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" . This passage underscores the importance of monotheism and wholehearted devotion to God, serving as a foundational commandment for the Israelites.

The prophets also frequently called the people of Israel to return to their foundational relationship with God. In Jeremiah 6:16, the prophet urges, "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'" This call to seek the "ancient paths" emphasizes a return to the original teachings and ways of God.

New Testament Foundations

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself is presented as the cornerstone of the Christian faith. 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 passage highlights the foundational role of Christ and the teachings of the apostles and prophets in the life of the Church.

The early church faced challenges that required a return to foundational teachings. In Revelation 2:4-5, the church in Ephesus is admonished: "But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love. Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first" . This call to return to their "first love" is a reminder to adhere to the foundational love and devotion to Christ.

Practical Implications

Returning to foundations involves a commitment to Scripture as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work" . This underscores the importance of grounding one's life and beliefs in the teachings of the Bible.

Moreover, returning to foundations requires a personal and communal commitment to living out the core tenets of the faith. In James 1:22, believers are exhorted, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves" . This call to action emphasizes the necessity of aligning one's life with the foundational truths of Scripture.

Conclusion

The theme of returning to foundations is a call to rediscover and reaffirm the essential truths of the Christian faith. It is a reminder to hold fast to the teachings of Scripture, to live in accordance with God's commandments, and to maintain a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith.