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Building on the Good Foundation

 


The duration of any building is determined by its foundation. If the foundation is good, the building will stand the test of time. Otherwise, if the foundation is weak, the building will soon come to ruin.

At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus discussed two very distinct foundations. One foundation was made of sand and the other was made of stone. Jesus taught of the foolishness of building on the sand. During the time of storm, the building upon the sand would suffer great destruction.  The house built upon the rock, however, would endure even the most violent of storms raging against it.

Jesus said that the one building his house upon the rock, was the one who heard His sayings and performed them. If we are to ensure that we are building upon the proper foundation, we too must hear the words of Christ and make them a part of our daily practice.  Remember the words of James who said, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

The church also has a foundation. Paul wrote, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11) Jesus responded to Peter’s good confession by saying, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Mathew 16:18)

Since Jesus is the foundation of the church, everything that we do and say must be centered upon His word. Otherwise, we would cease to be His church. Jesus Himself questioned, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’, and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) If you read the verses following this passage, Jesus again discussed the importance of building on the right foundation. Therefore, if we are to build on the proper foundation, we must know His word and be faithful followers of His.

The New Testament church is one that submits to the authority of Christ. Jesus stated to His apostles before His ascension, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, everything we do and say is by His authority.

This includes what we teach for salvation. In fact, the most important question a person can ever ask is, “What must I do to be saved?” Therefore, the best answer we can give is one that is in perfect alignment to the authority of Christ. Afterall, He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The best answer for salvation is always a quote from His word (e.g., Acts 2:38, 22:16, Ga 3:27, 1Pe 3:21)

Building on the good foundation gives us great confidence that we are living properly before God. We can know assuredly that our soul is secure and that the life we are building will stand in the final Day.

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks


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