Foundations of Christian Doctrine and Practice
The concept of "foundations" in Christian doctrine and practice refers to the essential, irreducible truths and principles upon which faith and life are built. These foundations are frequently discussed in the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles and Hebrews, and are understood as critical for spiritual growth and stability [1, 2, 4].
One of the most fundamental foundations is Jesus Christ himself. The Apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 3:11, "For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." This verse emphasizes that Christ is the sole and indispensable basis for Christian faith and hope [2, 5]. Matthew Henry elaborates that the "doctrine of our Saviour and his mediation is the principal doctrine of Christianity," forming the bedrock upon which all other beliefs and practices rest [2]. John Gill further explains that any attempt to lay other 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," will prove futile, as these are "sandy foundations" compared to Christ [5]. Adam Clarke concurs, noting that there "cannot be two opinions on this subject among the true apostles of our Lord" regarding Christ as the sole foundation [6]. This foundation is understood to have been laid by God the Father in his "eternal counsels and covenant" [5].
Beyond the person of Christ, the "principles of the doctrine of Christ" also constitute foundational elements [4, 7]. The book of Hebrews refers to these as "the principles of the doctrine" or "the word of the beginning" (Hebrews 6:1) [4]. These principles are likened to "milk" for spiritual infants, representing the elementary truths of the Gospel [3, 7]. John Gill identifies these as the "easier parts of the Gospel," which, while not to be abandoned or forgotten, should not be the sole focus of mature believers [7]. Calvin, as cited by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, uses the analogy of building a house: one must never leave the foundation, but to be "always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [4]. This implies that while these principles are essential, believers are expected to progress beyond them to deeper understanding.
The concept of "the foundation of God" is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 2:19, where it is described as standing "sure." John Gill interprets this foundation as the "faith of God's elect," which is "of the operation of God, and is the gift of his grace, and of which Christ is the author and finisher" [1]. This faith is characterized as "firm and immovable," "solid and substantial," and "permanent and abiding," supported by God's power and Christ's mediation [1]. This suggests that the divine origin and sustenance of faith itself form a secure foundation that cannot be overthrown by false teachings [1].
In terms of Christian practice, the will of God serves as a foundational ethical principle. Tyndale House notes that "the foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical speculation about virtue but doing God’s will" [8]. This is exemplified in passages like Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 6:6, Hebrews 10:36, and Hebrews 13:20-21 [8]. Holiness, which embraces all aspects of a person's life, is presented as God's will and a core ethical foundation, particularly in areas like avoiding sexual sin (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, 7) [8].
The emphasis on these foundations highlights the importance of a clear and stable understanding of core beliefs for both individual believers and the broader community. The New Testament writers consistently point to Christ as the ultimate foundation, with the basic doctrines of the Gospel and the pursuit of God's will forming the essential framework for Christian life and growth.
Sources
- 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”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 3:11: Here the apostle informs us what foundation he had laid at the bottom of all his labours among them - even Jesus Christ, the chief corner-stone, Eph 2:20. Upon this foundation all the faithful ministers of Christ build. Upon this rock all the Christians found their hopes. Those that build their hopes of heaven on any other foundation build upon the sand. Other foundation can no man lay besides what is laid - even Jesus Christ. Note, The doctrine of our Saviour and his mediation is the principal doctrine of Christianity. It lies at the bottom, and is the fou”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 3:2: (Heb 5:12). milk--the elementary "principles of the doctrine of Christ."”
- 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 (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”
- 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.”
- 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”
- 1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 4:3: 4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy: The foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical speculation about virtue but doing God’s will (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:36; 13:20-21). Holiness (1 Thes 4:4, 7) embraces all of a person’s life (5:23); here it involves staying away from sexual sin (Greek porneia, any sexual union outside marriage).”