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December 12, 2024
- By Ed Powell
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"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11
With every structure the foundation is of utmost importance. The superstructure will rise or fall on the strength of the foundation. With very high buildings it is necessary to extend the foundation deep with pilings of steel and concrete to sustain the weight and give sturdiness to its height. It must hold the structure strong and sure when the storms and winds blow with intensity.
In the Body of Christ, the Church, it is likewise imperative to have the right foundation and to build upon what has already been laid as its foundation, Jesus Christ.
Many today have various foundations upon which they build their hope. Some think themselves quite acceptable to God because they have never engaged in any gross sin that would evoke God's judgment. Some compare their lives with others and conclude they certainly warrant God's favor for they, like the Pharisee, are thankful that they are not as other men. Still others rest their laurels on the good works they have done in being responsible in their duties to their fellow men. Others recognize the atonement of Christ but feel they need to contribute their good works, thinking something needs to be added to make their acceptance with God complete.
Paul saw these trends of man in the church at Corinth and exerted all his influence to counteract it. In his letter to the church at Ephesus he makes it very clear that "by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul said, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of His mercy" (Titus 3:5). "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:17). "Salvation is to be found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
You might say, "Why is there no other way to be saved?" If there were another way, mankind would have some basis to glory. Even more important, if there were any other way, there would be no reason for Jesus to have suffered and died as the atonement for our sins. The only ground of our acceptance is in and through Jesus Christ. He is the only provision God has made whereby we can be forgiven of our sin and be reconciled to Him.
Jesus Christ is the sure foundation of our hope. Our pardon from sin must be obtained through Him; our peace will be given to us by Him. Our strength and righteousness are on account of Him and eternal life is bestowed on us as a gift from Him. Our salvation is wholly by the grace of God.
Well might we ask ourselves, "Is Jesus Christ MY sure foundation upon which I rest my hope of acceptance with God?"
It is upon this divine foundation we are to build our works. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). We must be careful to remember that if anything is to be done for His glory and for eternity...HE must do it through us. Otherwise our efforts will be but hay, wood, and stubble. If our works are done through the leading and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives they will be as gold or silver or as precious stones when we are judged by God for our works.
He is our security and the sure foundation for our salvation. He is the firm foundation upon which we work and serve.
© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission.
This page was reprinted by permission from: http://litmin.org/dare.php?date=2024-12-12&print=1
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