Foundational Scripture for Establishing the Church
The foundational scripture for establishing the Church is rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Ephesians 2:20, it is written that the Church is "being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone" [2]. This passage establishes Christ as the primary foundation of the Church, with the apostles and prophets serving as the foundational layer upon which the Church is constructed.
The concept of Christ as the foundation is further reinforced in 1 Corinthians 3:11, where Paul states that "no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" [3]. This underscores the idea that Christ is the essential and unshakeable foundation of the Church. The image of Christ as a cornerstone is also referenced in 1 Peter 2:4-8, highlighting His crucial role in the Church's structure [1].
The Church's establishment is not solely attributed to Christ; the apostles and prophets play a vital role in its foundation. According to Ephesians 2:20, they form the foundational layer upon which the Church is built [2]. The apostles, having been directly commissioned by Christ, served as the primary witnesses to His life, death, and resurrection. Their teachings and writings, as recorded in the New Testament, provide the doctrinal basis for the Church.
The importance of scripture in establishing and maintaining the Church is a recurring theme in Christian theology. John Calvin emphasizes the authority of Scripture, arguing that it is the ultimate source of truth and guidance for the Church [4]. The Reformed tradition, as represented by Charles Hodge, also underscores the significance of Scripture in shaping the Church's doctrine and practice [7].
In the view of the early Church Fathers, the establishment of the Church is closely tied to the apostolic tradition. Clement, Polycarp, and Ignatius stress the importance of adhering to the doctrines of the Lord and the apostles, highlighting the need for unity and faith within the Church [5]. This emphasis on apostolic tradition and the authority of Scripture continues to shape Christian theology and inform the Church's understanding of its foundation.
The imagery of the Church as a building, with Christ as the cornerstone, is a powerful metaphor that conveys the idea of a solid and enduring foundation. This image is echoed in various biblical passages, including Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 28:16. The Church's foundation is not limited to Christ alone but is also rooted in the teachings of the apostles and prophets, as well as the broader scriptural narrative.
The Catholic tradition, as represented by Thomas Aquinas, also acknowledges the importance of Christ as the foundation of the Church. In his discussion of the sacrament of Confirmation, Aquinas highlights the role of Christ in strengthening believers for spiritual combat [6]. While the Catholic tradition places a strong emphasis on sacramental life and ecclesiastical authority, it shares with other Christian traditions a commitment to the foundational significance of Christ and Scripture.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Church, The — Belongs to God -- 1Ti 3:15. The body of Christ -- Eph 1:23; Col 1:24. Christ, the foundation-stone of -- 1Co 3:11; Eph 2:20; 1Pe 2:4,5. Christ, the head of -- Eph 1:22; 5:23. Loved by Christ -- Song 7:10; Eph 5:25. Purchased by the blood of Christ -- Ac 20:28; Eph 5:25; Heb 9:12. Sanctified and cleansed by Christ -- 1Co 6:11; Eph 5:26,27. Subject to Christ -- Ro 7:4; Eph 5:24. The object of the grace of God -- Isa 27:3; 2Co 8:1. Displays the wisdom of God -- Eph 3:10. Shows forth the praises of God -- Isa 60:6. God defends -- Ps 89:18; Isa 4:5; 49:25; M”
- Ephesians “being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone; -- Ephesians 2:20”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 3:11: 3:11 There can never be any other foundation for the church than Jesus Christ himself (see Isa 28:16; 1 Pet 2:4-8; cp. Rom 9:33), but the Corinthians were in danger of treating a human teacher as their foundation.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 23: more regard to what my plan admits than to what the extent of this topic requires. A most pernicious error has very generally prevailed—viz. that Scripture is of importance only in so far as conceded to it by the suffrage of the Church; as if the eternal and inviolable truth of God could depend on the will of men. With great insult to the Holy 69 Spirit, it is asked, who can assure us that the Scriptures proceeded from God; who guarantee that they have come down safe and unimpaired to our times; who persuade us that this book is to”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. XIII.--BE ESTABLISHED IN FAITH AND UNITY.: Study, therefore, to be established in the doctrines of the Lord and the apostles, that so all things, whatsoever ye do, may prosper both in the flesh and spirit; in faith and love; in the Son, and in the Father, and in the Spirit; in the beginning and in the end; with your most admirable bishop, and the well-compacted spiritual crown of your presbytery, and the deacons who are according to God. Be ye subject to the bishop, and to one another, as Jesus Christ to ”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of the Sacrament of Confirmation, Art. 10: Article: Whether he who is confirmed needs one to stand* for him? [*Literally, "to hold him"] I answer that, As stated above (Articles [1],4,9), this sacrament is given to man for strength in the spiritual combat. Now, just as one newly born requires someone to teach him things pertaining to ordinary conduct, according to Heb. 12:9: "We have had fathers of our flesh, for instructors, and we obeyed [Vulg.: 'reverenced']" them; so they who are chosen for the fight need instructors by whom they are inf”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 71: taken and broken; and therefore it was the bread which He affirmed was, either literally or figuratively, his body. Lutherans themselves cannot avoid saying and admitting that the bread in the Lord’s Supper is the body of Christ. Thus Luther ( Larger Catechism , v. 12, 13; Hase, Libri Symbolici , p. 554) tells his catechumen to say, “Though infinite myriads of devils and all fanatics should impudently demand, How bread and wine can be the body and blood of Christ? I know that all spirits and all learned men put together have not as much i”