CHAPTER 1
A Foundation
Throughout this book I will be quoting lots of Bible verses. This is so that the reader doesn't have to use a Bible as a separate companion alongside this book and thereby require much more time in looking up verses. I use the New King James Version for most all of the verses used in this book. The reader is more than welcome to use their favorite Bible version alongside this book. For those who are more interested in accuracy or the use of several translations you will find the use of a lap top computer to be quick. Much of this book was written with the use of the software "Quick Verse 10". With this software you can have several Bible versions that can be used simultaneously. You can also purchase other add-on software or Bible software programs that offer many versions of the Bible as an aid to studying the Bible. Many of these software programs work as an add-on to "Quick Verse 10."
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1–2, NKJV)
The subject that I deal with in this chapter is not mentioned as one of the basic doctrines in Hebrews 6:1–2. I'm going to include the Bible as part of one of the basic foundational doctrines in Christianity. In the New Testament time, there was no Bible as we know today. All that existed in the first-generation church was the Old Testament and letters that where written to various churches scattered across the earth.
It was taken for granted that the first believing Christians had access to the Old Testament books and these letters (epistles). Thus the subject of written scripture is not part of the basic doctrinal requirements listed in Hebrews 6:1–2. Just because the Holy Scriptures do not mention the Bible and salvation in Hebrews 6:1–2 as two of the basic doctrines does not mean that the Bible and salvation are not part of the basic doctrines.
For believers today, the Bible plays a critical role in the development of maturity and fundamental beliefs of Christianity. Because of the major role of the Bible, I choose to teach about the entire Bible as part of the development of a believer in God. In the second chapter, I teach all about salvation. In the rest of the chapters, I teach about the six remaining basic doctrines mentioned in Hebrews 6:1–2.
In the Bible, there are a few references that mention a foundation. This foundation is what I want to use as a true life structure in everyone's lives, including my own. It is extremely critical that anyone who wants to get to know God and become powerful in his kingdom must have a correct foundation. I'm amazed by how few Christians take the time to learn from someone who knows about the Christian foundation. I'm even more amazed by how few pastors and teachers instruct new Christians about Christian foundations. It is extremely critical that anyone who wants to get to know God and become powerful in his kingdom must have the correct foundation.
Any time you intend to learn something or build something, you will need a platform or a foundation. You will need a solid base to work upon. If you're going to produce a product, you will need a factory. If you are going to build a business, you will need a fundamental amount of money to start it. If you want a good, lasting marriage, you will need a foundation of basic understanding and knowledge of relationships.
The Bible uses buildings as an example of a spiritual foundation in God. God wants us to build ourselves into fully mature Christians. Building a proper foundation in God is the act of building and growing into that fully mature spiritual man or woman of God. The Bible compares a believer's life to the construction of a building and also to a farmer, but for now, I will use the analogy of a building. Every believer is called to first build and later be used in God's service. You will not find, in the entire Bible, God using immature or baby Christians to perform his great deeds. You will find God using mature people to perform his wonders and deeds among men and women.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. (Jude 1:20, NKJV)
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. (1 Corinthians 3:9–10, NKJV)
In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22, NKJV)
Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:7, NKJV)
To build a solid and secure building requires a good foundation. A poor or weak foundation will not support much weight of the materials used in a building. A strong and solid foundation will support a lot of weight of the materials that are used in a building. The same principle applies to a believer's life in God's kingdom.
In past centuries, men used a large cornerstone to begin a foundation. The Egyptian architects used this first. The cornerstone was one massive, solid stone. The bigger the stone that was used, the better the foundation. The same parallel is used in Christianity.
Jesus Christ is referred to as the main cornerstone of Christianity. Without Jesus, you cannot build anything in God's kingdom. Jesus is the required cornerstone to anything that is done within God's kingdom. Anything done outside of Jesus is religion—man's attempt to appease God through man's own efforts.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. (1 Corinthians 15:50, NKJV)
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11, NKJV)
Therefore, it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." (1 Peter 2:6, NKJV)
Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily. (Isaiah 28:16, NKJV)
God the Father and the Holy Spirit also make up the foundation having a vital role along with Jesus as being the corner stone. The basic subjects of this foundation are: salvation in Jesus, the Bible, faith, repentance, baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal punishment. It all begins with Jesus. That is why he is referred to as the chief or main cornerstone. Jesus is like a door to the kingdom of heaven. To get to God and all that he has for us, you have...
