Foundations of Christian Belief in Tradition and Scripture
The concept of "foundation" in Christian belief is multifaceted, referring to the essential truths and figures upon which faith and the church are built. Biblically, a foundation is understood as the lowest part of a structure, providing support and stability, as seen in references to the foundations of buildings, cities, and even the earth itself [1]. In a theological sense, this imagery extends to the core tenets of Christian doctrine and the person of Jesus Christ.
Central to the understanding of Christian foundations is Jesus Christ himself. The apostle Paul asserts that "other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11) [8]. This indicates that Christ is the singular and indispensable basis for Christian faith and the church. The stability of this foundation is emphasized, with John Gill noting that the faith of God's elect, rooted in Christ, "is firm and immovable as a foundation; it is solid and substantial... and it is permanent and abiding" [3]. This faith, being "of the operation of God," cannot be overthrown by false teachings [3].
The "foundation of God" also refers to the Church itself, which is seen as the "ground or basement support of the truth" [7]. This foundation stands firm despite challenges, encompassing the elect whom "the Lord knoweth" [7]. The steadfastness of the Church is intrinsically linked to the certainty of its doctrine [7].
The "principles of the doctrine of Christ" are also described as foundational elements [6]. These are the elementary truths that believers are expected to grasp before moving on to more advanced spiritual understanding [5, 6]. Calvin, in his commentary on Hebrews, uses the analogy of building a house: while one must always rely on the foundation, continually laboring in "laying the foundation" without progressing is unproductive [5]. This suggests a progression in Christian understanding, moving beyond initial principles while never abandoning them.
The apostolic message itself is considered foundational, bringing "truth and duty near" to believers [2]. John Chrysostom highlights that Christian truth and duty do not require arduous striving or journeying, but are made accessible through the apostles' proclamation [2]. This accessibility of core Christian teachings is a key aspect of their foundational nature.
The "firm foundation of God" is also understood to encompass the arguments and shared faith of Christians [4, 7]. This collective belief forms a common cause among believers, reinforcing the stability of the overall Christian framework [4]. The concept of foundation thus integrates the person of Christ, the Church, core doctrines, and the shared faith of believers into a cohesive structure that supports Christian belief.
Sources
- 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”
- 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”
- 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”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 4:15: our words--the arguments of us Christians for our common faith. Believers have a common cause.”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 3:2: (Heb 5:12). milk--the elementary "principles of the doctrine of Christ."”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 2:19: Nevertheless--Notwithstanding the subversion of their faith, "the firm foundation of God standeth" fast (so the Greek ought to be translated). The "foundation" here is "the Church" [ALFORD], "the ground" or basement support "of the truth" (Ti1 3:15), Christ Himself being the ultimate "foundation" (Co1 3:11). In the steadfast standing of the Church there is involved the steadfast certainty of the doctrine in question (Ti2 2:18). Thus the "house" (Ti2 2:20) answers to the "foundation"; it is made up of the elect whom "the Lord knoweth" (acknowledgeth,”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 3:11: Other foundation can no man lay - I do not speak particularly concerning the foundation of this spiritual building; it can have no other foundation than Jesus Christ: there cannot be two opinions on this subject among the true apostles of our Lord. The only fear is, lest an improper use should be made of this heavenly doctrine; lest a bad superstructure should be raised on this foundation.”