Grounding Extrabiblical Examples in Scripture and Doctrine
Grounding Extrabiblical Examples in Scripture and Doctrine
The concept of being grounded in Christian doctrine is rooted in several biblical passages. In Ephesians 2:20, believers are described as being "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone" [1]. This metaphor of a building is used elsewhere in the New Testament to convey the idea of being grounded in Christ. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 3:11, it is written that "other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" [6].
The idea of being grounded is closely tied to the concept of perseverance in the faith. In Colossians 1:23, believers are exhorted to remain "grounded and settled" in their hope in the gospel [3]. The author of Hebrews also emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the foundational teachings of Christ to maturity, warning against laying the foundation again and again (Hebrews 6:1-3) [4, 5, 7].
The image of a building is used to convey the idea that Christ is the foundation upon which believers are built. In 1 Corinthians 3:12, the quality of the materials used to build upon this foundation is discussed, with gold, silver, and precious stones representing sound doctrine and practices [2]. The use of this metaphor highlights the importance of ensuring that one's beliefs and actions are grounded in Christ and aligned with sound doctrine.
Different Christian traditions interpret the concept of being grounded in slightly different ways. For example, the Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill, emphasizes the importance of Christ as the sole foundation of the Christian faith [6]. The Presbyterian tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, highlights the connection between being grounded and the architecture of the temple in Jerusalem [1]. The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, emphasizes the need to move beyond the foundational teachings of Christ to maturity [4].
The biblical concept of being grounded in Christian doctrine is thus closely tied to the idea of perseverance in the faith and the importance of sound doctrine. By examining the various ways in which this concept is presented in Scripture and interpreted by different Christian traditions, believers can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be grounded in their faith.
Sources
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 2:20: Translate as Greek, "Built up upon," &c. (participle; having been built up upon; omit, therefore, "and are"). Compare Co1 3:11-12. The same image in Eph 3:18, recurs in his address to the Ephesian elders (Act 20:32), and in his Epistle to Timothy at Ephesus (Ti1 3:15; Ti2 2:19), naturally suggested by the splendid architecture of Diana's temple; the glory of the Christian temple is eternal and real, not mere idolatrous gaud. The image of a building is appropriate also to the Jew-Christians; as the temple at Jerusalem was the stronghold of Judaism; a”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:12: Now if any man build upon this foundation,.... The different materials laid by one and the same man, on this foundation, or the different doctrines advanced upon it, are some of them comparable to gold, silver, precious stones; for their intrinsic worth and value; for the purity and sincerity of them; for their weight, importance, solidity, and substantiality; for their durableness; for the great esteem they are had in by those, who know the worth of them; and for the great usefulness they are of unto them, being rich in themselves, and enriching to them; and”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:23: If--"Assuming that," &c.: not otherwise shall ye be so presented at His appearing (Col 1:22). grounded--Greek, "founded," "fixed on the foundation" (compare Note, see on Eph 3:17; Luk 6:48-49). settled--"steadfast." "Grounded" respects the foundation on which believers rest; "settled," their own steadfastness (Pe1 5:10). Co1 15:58 has the same Greek. not moved away--by the false teachers. the hope of the gospel-- (Eph 1:18). which ye have heard . . . which was preached to every creature . . . whereof I . . . am . . . a minister--Three arg”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 6 (introduction): We must proceed from the first principles of the doctrine of Christ unto perfection, and not lay the foundation a second time, Heb 6:1-3. Those who were once enlightened, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost and the various blessings of the Gospel, if they apostatize from Christ, and finally reject him as their Savior, cannot be renewed again to repentance, Heb 6:4-6. The double similitude of the ground blessed of God, and bearing fruit; and of that ground which is cursed of God, and bears briers and thorns, Heb 6:7, Heb 6:8. The apostle's con”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWS 6 In this chapter the apostle exhorts the believing Hebrews not to rest in the rudiments of the Christian religion they had learned; and much less to lay them again in the foundation after the Jewish manner, of which he instances in six particulars; but to seek after a perfect knowledge of evangelic truths, which, under a divine permission, was his determination to do, Heb 6:1 which was the best method to prevent apostasy, he dissuades from; by giving the characters of apostates, showing how far they may go in the knowledge of di”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 3:11: For other foundation can no man lay,.... Men may attempt to lay other foundations than Christ, and build upon them, but to no purpose; they will be of no avail; all besides him are sandy foundations; such as fleshly privileges, a carnal descent, a religious education, an external profession of religion, a man's own righteousness, and the absolute mercy of God; but men ought to lay no other, nor can they, that will be of any advantage to themselves or others: than that which is laid; by Jehovah the Father, both in his eternal counsels and covenant, when he set”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 6:1: Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ,.... The Gospel is the doctrine of Christ, and is so called, because Christ, as God, is the author of it; as Mediator, he received it from his Father; as man, he was the preacher of it; and he is also the sum and substance of it: the principles of this doctrine are either the easier parts of the Gospel, called milk in the latter part of the preceding chapter; which are not to be left with dislike and contempt, nor so as to be forgotten, nor so as not to be recurred to at proper times; but so as not to abide in”