Ephesians 2:20 (KJV) declares, “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the vital essence of the church’s foundation, spotlighting Christ as the eternal cornerstone that unites diverse faiths in reflection on His anchoring role, divine revelation through faith, the Holy Spirit’s guiding presence, God’s profound love manifested therein, and practical application amid worldly turbulence, all culminating in a call to communal steadfastness on this unyielding rock of truth and purpose.

DIVINE FOUNDATION UNVEILED!

What defines the true foundation of the church? Across religious beliefs, this question invites reflection on the character of Christ and His role in anchoring faith communities. From Seventh-day Adventists to Baptists, Buddhists to Muslims, understanding Christ’s position as the cornerstone deepens our spiritual journey and broadens our perspective of God’s eternal love. Christ anchors the church eternally as its unchanging foundation. In Psalm 118:22 (KJV), we read, “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” Ephesians 2:20 (KJV) adds, “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” Ellen G. White illuminates this truth: “The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer’s faith” (The Desire of Ages, p. 412, 1898). Through inspired counsel, we grasp how this revelation fortifies our communal path against fleeting doctrines. How might Peter’s confession illuminate the divine spark behind our own faith?

CHRIST: ETERNAL CORNERSTONE!

Ecclesiastes 3:14 (KJV) proclaims, “Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever.” This enduring principle reflects the unchanging foundation of the church, rooted in Jesus Christ. When Jesus asks His disciples in Matthew 16:13-20, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This pivotal moment highlights the eternal truth that Christ is the foundation. As Ellen G. White states, “The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer’s faith” (The Desire of Ages, p. 412, 1898). A prophetic voice echoes further: “Of this spiritual temple Christ is ‘the chief Cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord’” (Prophets and Kings, p. 36, 1917). In the EGW SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, we find: “To be sons and daughters of God, growing into an holy temple to the Lord, ‘no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;’ ‘built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone’—this is our privilege” (p. 1116, 1953). His unwavering strength as the cornerstone assures us that faith built on Him withstands all trials, unlike human-dependent foundations. What role does divine revelation play in birthing such unshakeable faith within us?

FAITH FROM HEAVEN!

Peter’s confession was not born of human insight but divine revelation (Matthew 16:17). As Jesus declares, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). Christ embodies the purity and completeness of truth, as described in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Sr. White reinforces this in Selected Messages (Vol. 3, p. 198): “Christ is the complete system of truth.” In Steps to Christ, a passage reminds us: “There is only one way in which this knowledge can be obtained. We can attain to an understanding of God’s word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the word was given. ‘The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God;’ ‘for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.’ And the Saviour’s promise to His followers was, ‘When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth…. For He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you’” (p. 109, 1892). Through the inspired pen, we learn: “We need … to bring the light and grace of Christ into all our works. We need to take hold of Christ and to retain our hold of Him until we know that the power of His transforming grace is manifested in us. We must have faith in Christ if we would reflect the divine character…. Faith in the Word of God and in the power of Christ to transform the life will enable the believer to work His works” (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 244, 1973). This truth frees us from error, as John 8:32 assures: “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Therefore, our faith is not self-made but revealed and sustained by God, ensuring the church remains immovable. How does the Holy Spirit extend this purity to guide our communal mission today?

SPIRIT’S GUIDING LIGHT!

The purity of Christ’s truth extends to the church’s mission. As Paul describes in Ephesians 5:26-27, Christ is preparing His church to be “holy and without blemish.” This preparation requires us to reject falsehood and grow through divine guidance. John 16:13 affirms, “When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” Sr. White emphasizes this partnership: “The church is the repository of truth for the world” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 12, 1911). In The Desire of Ages, we read: “Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord’s promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people ‘to will and to do of His good pleasure.’ But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive” (p. 672, 1898). Through inspired counsel: “God will today endow men and women with power from above, as He endowed those who on the day of Pentecost heard the word of salvation. At this very hour His Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word” (Christian Service, p. 250, 1925). This means that as we embrace truth individually and communally, we reflect Christ’s love, which is both unwavering and transformational. In what ways does God’s love illuminate through this cornerstone role?

LOVE’S ROCKY BASE!

God’s love shines through Christ’s role as the cornerstone of our faith. Isaiah 28:16 declares, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.” This unshakable foundation demonstrates God’s commitment to our eternal well-being. Sr. White explains, “The matchless love of God for a fallen race is manifested in the gift of His beloved Son” (Steps to Christ, p. 15, 1892). A prophetic voice declares: “When we consider the infinite sacrifice made for the salvation of men we are lost in amazement. When selfishness clamors for the victory in the hearts of men, and they are tempted to withhold their due proportion in any good work, they should strengthen their principles of right by the thought that He who was rich in heaven’s priceless treasure turned away from it all and became poor. He had not where to lay His head. And all this sacrifice was in our behalf, that we might have eternal riches” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 402, 1875). In Steps to Christ, we find: “If we are Christ’s, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things” (p. 58, 1892). This love assures us that no matter how uncertain life becomes, God’s foundation remains steadfast, offering both security and hope. How can we as a community apply this foundation amid worldly storms?

LIVING ON THE ROCK!

What does it mean to stand on Christ’s foundation in a turbulent world? For us as a community, it means embodying His truth and love in our interactions. Individually, it calls us to personal reflection, asking: Is my faith rooted in the eternal cornerstone, or in human ideals? Sr. White’s words in Education (p. 57, 1903) remind us, “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children.” In The Great Controversy, a passage underscores: “The accession of the Roman Church to power marked the beginning of the Dark Ages. As her power increased, the darkness deepened. Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome. Instead of trusting in the Son of God for forgiveness of sins and for eternal salvation, the people looked to the pope, and to the priests and prelates to whom he delegated authority. They were taught that the pope was their earthly mediator and that none could approach God except through him; and, further, that he stood in the place of God to them and was therefore to be implicitly obeyed. A deviation from his requirements was sufficient cause for the severest punishment to be visited upon the bodies and souls of the offenders. Thus the minds of the people were turned away from God to fallible, erring, and cruel men, nay, more, to the prince of darkness himself, who exercised his power through them. Sin was disguised in a garb of sanctity. When the Scriptures are suppressed, and man comes to regard himself as supreme, we need look only for fraud, deception, and debasing iniquity. With the elevation of human laws and traditions was manifest the corruption that ever results from setting aside the law of God” (p. 55, 1888). Through the inspired pen: “Faith was transferred from Christ, the true foundation, to the pope of Rome” (The Great Controversy, p. 55, 1888). When we align our lives with this divine standard, we not only honor God but also create a witness that draws others to His love. What ultimate victory does this foundation promise for our communal stand?

VICTORY IN THE STONE!

The foundation of the church is more than a doctrinal concept; it is a living reality rooted in Christ. As the chief cornerstone, He provides stability, purity, and direction for all who believe. Whether we view this truth through the lens of individual growth or communal faith, it remains an enduring testament to God’s love and purpose. Let us reaffirm our commitment to this divine foundation, standing together as a church prepared to reflect His glory to the world.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these truths about Christ as cornerstone, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes on the church’s foundation to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about Christ as the sole foundation in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s unshakeable role and God’s ultimate victory over instability?