The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the sure foundation upon which the entire Christian faith rests. From Old Testament prophecies to New Testament teachings, this truth is emphasized repeatedly. Psalm 118:22 speaks of “the stone which the builders rejected,” which Jesus applies to Himself in Matthew 21:42. Peter further clarifies in Acts 4:10-12, declaring, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.” This article explores how Christ serves as the foundation for the church, the believer’s life, and the hope of salvation.
A Sure Foundation
A foundation is essential for any structure. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus contrasts the wise man who builds his house on the rock with the foolish man who builds on the sand. Only the house built on a solid foundation withstands the storms. Similarly, the church and individual lives must be built upon the solid foundation of Christ.
Paul affirms this in 1 Corinthians 3:11, writing, “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Jesus is the cornerstone, the unshakable base upon which the Christian system is built. Isaiah 28:16 prophesied of this truth: “Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. The one who believes in it will not be disturbed.”
The Divinity of Christ: The Basis of the Church
The church rests upon the divinity of Christ. Some have tried to build on human doctrines, traditions, and institutions, but these foundations lead to division and instability. What is needed today is a return to Christ as the sole foundation. He declared in Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” The church must concede to His authority in all things.
When Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus replied, “Upon this rock I will build My church” (Matthew 16:16-18). The “rock” is not Peter himself but the truth of Christ’s divine nature. As Ephesians 1:22-23 explains, “He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Christ’s Humanity: Our Perfect Example
In addition to being divine, Jesus came in human form to serve as the perfect example for us. As 1 Peter 2:21 states, “For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps.” Jesus demonstrated how to live a life of love, obedience, and service.
He came to reveal God to humanity. John 1:14 declares, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Through His teaching and actions, Jesus displayed God’s character and provided a model for how we should live. Philippians 2:5-7 calls us to emulate His humility: “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.”
The Matchless Character of Jesus
The character of Jesus is flawless, and even His enemies could find no fault in Him. Pilate famously declared, “I find no guilt in Him” (John 18:38), and Judas confessed, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4). His perfect life, combined with His profound teachings, provides ethical principles that, if applied universally, could transform families, communities, and nations.
Jesus is not only the foundation of the church but also the standard for our lives. As Matthew 5:14-16 teaches, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Christians are called to reflect the light of Christ, living as His “letters” to the world (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).
The Foundation of Salvation
Jesus is the foundation of our salvation. His death and resurrection are central to the gospel message. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” Without His resurrection, the entire system of faith collapses. But because He triumphed over death, He secured salvation for all who believe.
Acts 4:12 emphasizes the exclusivity of salvation through Christ: “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.” This truth is echoed in John 14:6, where Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Building on the Foundation
The church is composed of individuals who have been “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). Each believer is a “living stone” being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Together, we form the body of Christ, reflecting His glory to the world.
However, it is essential to build wisely upon this foundation. Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, “Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work.” Our works and motives will be evaluated by God, so we must strive to align our lives with His will.
Conclusion: Christ Must Be the Only Foundation
Jesus Christ is the only foundation capable of supporting the weight of our lives, our faith, and our hope for the future. He offers redemption from past sins, strength for the present, and a secure hope for eternity. As the hymn declares, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Let us build our lives upon this sure foundation, striving to reflect His light and remain faithful to His teachings.
The church, like each individual believer, must continue to proclaim Christ as the cornerstone. He is the “tested stone, a precious cornerstone” (Isaiah 28:16), and through Him, we have access to the Father and the promise of eternal life. May we always remember that “no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).
The Simple Gospel 