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Foundational Truths for Christian Theological Understanding

Christian theological understanding rests upon several foundational truths, which are consistently presented throughout Scripture and expounded upon in Christian tradition. These truths provide the bedrock for doctrines concerning God, humanity, salvation, and the Church.

One fundamental truth is the nature of God as the ultimate reality and source of all things. The invisible attributes of God, such as his eternal power and divine nature, are "clearly seen" and "understood by the things that are made" since the creation of the world [10]. This means that the created order serves as an interpreter of humanity's innate faith in God, making an articulate conviction possible through observation [10]. God is depicted as the one who tries and knows the human heart, searches it, understands its thoughts, and influences it [2]. He is also capable of creating a new heart, preparing and opening it, enlightening, strengthening, and establishing it [2].

Another foundational truth is the concept of "truth" itself, which in Christian thought is not merely a collection of facts or doctrines but is intrinsically linked to the person of God. Christian love is rooted in knowing this truth, which is understood as the presence of God dwelling within believers [6]. Jesus Christ is presented as the embodiment of truth, providing true understanding [12]. The early Christians discovered the principle that "the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10), leading to their growth in faith [7]. This understanding of truth allows believers to discern what is true from what is false, as seen in the Ephesian Christians who examined various claims and exercised discipline [11].

The concept of "faith" is central to Christian understanding. Faith is generally defined as the persuasion of the mind that a particular statement is true, with its primary idea being trust [4]. It involves knowledge as an essential element, sometimes even being equated with it, yet it is distinguished by the inclusion of assent, which is an act of the will [4]. Faith can exist in varying degrees, from initial belief to full assurance, depending on the evidence supporting it [4]. It is a result of teaching [4]. John Chrysostom notes that Christian faith and duty are made accessible through the apostolic message, not requiring arduous striving or journeying to reach Christ [9]. This faith, particularly the "faith of God's elect," is considered firm and immovable, a solid foundation that stands sure, supported by God's power and Christ's mediation, unlike a temporary or historical faith [8].

The "Church" is also a foundational truth, understood as belonging to God and being the body of Christ [5]. Christ is identified as the foundation-stone of the Church, as well as its head [5]. The Church is loved by Christ, purchased by his blood, sanctified and cleansed by him, and subject to him [5]. It is the object of God's grace, displays his wisdom, shows forth his praises, and is defended by him [5]. The term "foundation" itself is used in Scripture to describe the lowest part of a building upon which it rests, and is applied figuratively to various elements of creation and human constructs, such as heavens, earth, mountains, and cities [1]. In the context of the Church, Christ is the ultimate foundation [1, 5].

"Eternal life" is another core truth. Christ himself is eternal life, and it is revealed through him [3]. To know God and Christ is eternal life [3]. This life is given by God and Christ, and it resides in Christ [3]. It is granted to all who are given to Christ, to those who believe in God and in Christ, and to those who prioritize Christ above their own lives [3]. Eternal life is revealed in the Scriptures and results from partaking in the "water of life" and "bread of life" [3].

These foundational truths—the nature of God, the essence of truth, the role of faith, the identity of the Church, and the promise of eternal life—interconnect to form a coherent framework for Christian theology. They are not abstract concepts but are presented as living realities that shape the believer's understanding and experience.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Foundation — The lowest part of a building, and on which it rests -- Lu 14:29; Ac 16:26. Figuratively applied to The heavens. -- 2Sa 22:8. The earth. -- Job 38:4; Ps 104:5. The world. -- Ps 18:15; Mt 13:35. The mountains. -- De 32:22. The ocean. -- Ps 104:8. Kingdoms. -- Ex 9:18. Laid for Cities. -- Jos 6:26; 1Ki 16:34. Walls. -- Ezr 4:12; Re 21:14. Houses. -- Lu 6:48. Temples. -- 1Ki 6:37; Ezr 3:10. Towers. -- Lu 14:28,29. Described as Of stone. -- 1Ki 5:17. Deep laid. -- Lu 6:48. Strongly laid. -- Ezr 6:3. Joined together by corner stones. -- Ezr 4:12; 1Pe 2:6; Eph”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Heart, The — Issues of life are out of -- Pr 4:23. God Tries. -- 1Ch 29:17; Jer 12:3. Knows. -- Ps 44:21; Jer 20:12. Searched. -- 1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10. Understands the thoughts of. -- 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:2. Ponders. -- Pr 21:2; 24:12. Influences. -- 1Sa 10:26; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 21:1; Jer 20:9. Creates a new. -- Ps 51:10; Eze 36:26. Prepares. -- 1Ch 29:18; Pr 16:1. Opens. -- Ac 16:14. Enlightens. -- 2Co 4:6; Eph 1:18. Strengthens. -- Ps 27:14. Establishes. -- Ps 112:8; 1Th 3:13. Should be Prepared to God. -- 1Sa 7:3. Given to God. -- Pr 23:26. Perfect with God. -- 1Ki 8:”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Life, Eternal — Christ is -- 1Jo 1:2; 5:20. Revealed by Christ -- Joh 6:68; 2Ti 1:10. To know God and Christ is -- Joh 17:3. Given By God. -- Ps 133:3; Ro 6:23. By Christ. -- Joh 6:27; 10:28. In Christ. -- 1Jo 5:11. Through Christ. -- Ro 5:21; 6:23. To all given to Christ. -- Joh 17:2. To those who believe in God. -- Joh 5:24. To those who believe in Christ. -- Joh 3:15,16; 6:40,47. To those who hate life for Christ. -- Joh 12:25. In answer to prayer. -- Ps 21:4. Revealed in the Scriptures -- Joh 5:39. Results from Drinking the water of life. -- Joh 4:14. Eating the ”
  4. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Faith — Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true (Phil. 1:27; 2 Thess. 2:13). Its primary idea is trust. A thing is true, and therefore worthy of trust. It admits of many degrees up to full assurance of faith, in accordance with the evidence on which it rests. Faith is the result of teaching (Rom. 10:14-17). Knowledge is an essential element in all faith, and is sometimes spoken of as an equivalent to faith (John 10:38; 1 John 2:3). Yet the two are distinguished in this respect, that faith includes in it assent, which is an act ”
  5. 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”
  6. 2 John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 John 1:2: 1:2 Christian love is rooted in knowing the truth. The truth that lives in us is more than just facts or doctrine; it is the presence of God (see John 14:15-17), who will be with us forever.”
  7. Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 9:31: 9:31 This verse is one of several in Acts that detail the numerical and spiritual growth of the church (see also 2:41; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1, 7; 12:24; 21:20). • The first Christians were discovering the truth of the principle, “the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge” (Prov 1:7; 9:10; cp. Job 28:28; Ps 111:10; Eccl 12:13; see Luke 7:16), and they were growing in their faith (cp. Acts 2:43; 19:17).”
  8. 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 2:19: Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure,.... That faith, which is the faith of God's elect, is of the operation of God, and is the gift of his grace, and of which Christ is the author and finisher, is firm and immovable as a foundation; it is solid and substantial; it is the substance of things hoped for; and it is permanent and abiding; it stands sure, being supported by the power of God, and prevalent mediation of Jesus Christ; and so cannot be overthrown by false teachers, when an historical faith, or the faith of temporary believers may: or the doctri”
  9. CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: in vv. 6–10 may be useful in connection with the exposition of Chrys. The apostle quotes Deut. xxx. 11–14 in which God assures the people that his commandments are not beyond their power to obey. He brings truth and duty near to them. These expressions are typical of the principles of the Christian faith. No striving, journeying or climbing are needful to reach Christ and his truth and law. Christian truth and duty are brought near in the apostolic message. After this presentation of the faith-idea in Old Testament language, which all might not grasp”
  10. Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 1:20: For the invisible things of him from--or "since" the creation of the world are clearly seen--the mind brightly beholding what the eye cannot discern. being understood by the things that are made--Thus, the outward creation is not the parent but the interpreter of our faith in God. That faith has its primary sources within our own breast (Rom 1:19); but it becomes an intelligible and articulate conviction only through what we observe around us ("by the things which are made," Rom 1:20). And thus are the inner and the outer revelation of God the comp”
  11. Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 2:2: 2:2-3 I know: This repeated refrain (2:9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15) shows Christ’s total knowledge of his people, their activities, and their circumstances. • The Ephesian Christians had a correct theology marked by perseverance and faithfulness. They had examined various claims, exercised discipline on evil people, could tell what is true and what is false, and had patiently suffered for their faith in Christ.”
  12. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:20: 4:20-24 What you learned about Christ is the truth that comes from him. He gives true understanding (cp. John 14:6) and calls his people to an entirely new way of life (cp. Rom 6:3-14; 13:12-14; Col 3:8-10).”
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