And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:17, KJV)

ARTICLE

This article explores the foundation of Christian faith, emphasizing that true faith is anchored in the living, risen Christ rather than historical events or miracles alone. It examines the dangers of shallow or transactional faith and highlights how a relationship with the living Christ reflects God’s love and sustains believers through personal and communal applications.

FAITH’S DIVINE BASE!

The foundation of faith is essential to our spiritual journey. Faith underpins our connection to the divine. This blog examines the central question: Who or what forms the foundation of our faith? Drawing from the Bible, we explore why only a living Christ can provide a reliable foundation, reflecting God’s love in profound ways. The assertion is that faith is not merely an abstract concept but a living reality grounded in a personal connection with Christ. Evidence from scripture shows that building on anything less leads to instability, as seen in the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Christ, as the cornerstone, ensures that our spiritual house withstands storms. Commentary on this reveals that true faith transforms daily life, making the divine accessible and real. “He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved” (Psalm 62:6, KJV). “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24, KJV). “The path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18, R.V., margin. Steps to Christ, p. 112, 1892). “By faith we may look to the hereafter and grasp the pledge of God for a growth of intellect, the human faculties uniting with the divine, and every power of the soul being brought into direct contact with the Source of light. We may rejoice that all which has perplexed us in the providences of God will then be made plain, things hard to be understood will then find an explanation; and where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken purposes, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. “Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12” (Steps to Christ, p. 112, 1892). This foundation in Christ invites us to ponder: but what if our trust rests on fleeting images rather than eternal truth?

ROCKIN’ REDEEMER REVEALED!

Job 19:25 declares, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.” The Bible repeatedly portrays Jesus as the Rock of our salvation (1 Corinthians 10:4). However, is our foundation built on a baby in the manger, a miracle worker, or a living Savior? While the manger scene in Luke 2:9-12 stirs tender emotions, it cannot sustain our faith. Similarly, miracles like turning water into wine (John 2:1, 7, 8, 11) can inspire but are insufficient as a foundation. Ellen G. White warns, “Satan…will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 16). Faith rooted in miracles leaves us vulnerable to deception, as seen in Revelation 16:13-14. Instead, the living Christ must be our cornerstone (Matthew 16:18). The assertion is that a foundation in mere wonders invites deception, while one in the living Christ endures. Evidence abounds in warnings against counterfeit signs that mimic divine power but lead astray. Commentary underscores that Satan’s deceptions prey on those seeking spectacle over substance. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:11, KJV). “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8, KJV). “The time is coming when Satan will work miracles right in your sight, claiming that he is Christ; and if your feet are not firmly established upon the truth of God, then you will be led away from your foundation” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 290, 1868). “Satan is a diligent student of the Bible, and much better acquainted with the prophecies than many religious teachers. He wishes to know all that God has revealed concerning himself and his designed work. He is a diligent worker-out of that which God plans to execute. He even quotes Scripture, as did his master when tempting Christ” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 342, 1868). This reliance on the living Christ prompts reflection: yet what perils arise when faith seeks only surface gains?

SHALLOW FAITH’S PITFALLS!

Miracles, though significant, often attract followers for selfish reasons. Jesus said in John 6:26, “Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” Their faith was transactional, devoid of spiritual depth. Even John the Baptist, who performed no miracles, was regarded as a great prophet (John 10:41; Luke 7:28). Sr. White states, “The sign God provided in Exodus 31:12-18”—the Sabbath—is the true mark of His followers (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 16). Let us ensure our faith is grounded in God’s eternal principles, not fleeting wonders. The assertion is that selfish pursuits erode genuine belief, fostering a hollow devotion. Evidence reveals how crowds followed for bread alone, ignoring deeper calls. Commentary highlights that true signs like the Sabbath anchor us beyond temporary thrills. “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43, KJV). “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, KJV). “God designs that men shall not decide from impulse, but from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture. Had the Jews laid by their prejudice and compared written prophecy with the facts characterizing the life of Jesus, they would have perceived a beautiful harmony between the prophecies and their fulfillment in the life and ministry of the lowly Galilean” (The Desire of Ages, p. 458, 1898). “The Jews were forever seeking for signs. They accused Christ of heresy, impiety, and blasphemy, because He did not with great ostentation make a display of His works before them” (The Desire of Ages, p. 407, 1898). This grounding in principles raises a vital inquiry: but how does the cross alone suffice without the triumph over death?

CRUCIFIED VS. RISEN LORD!

The death of Jesus on the cross is pivotal, but is it sufficient as a foundation for faith? After the crucifixion, the disciples were despondent, feeling their hope had died (Luke 24:13-21). Without the resurrection, their faith would have been in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). Jesus assured us He would build His church on Himself, the living Rock (Matthew 16:18). This is why Paul emphasized, “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). Ephesians 2:19-20 identifies Christ as the chief cornerstone, and 1 Peter 2:5 invites us to be “lively stones” in His spiritual house. Our faith must rest on the risen Christ, whose victory over death is the ultimate assurance of salvation. The assertion is that crucifixion demands resurrection to complete redemption’s promise. Evidence from disciples’ despair shows hope revived only through His rising. Commentary affirms that without this, belief crumbles into futility. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20, KJV). “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14, KJV). “The disciples were not aware that this was to be their last season with their Master. He employed the time in sacred converse with them, reiterating his former instructions. As they passed through the gates of Jerusalem, many wondering eyes looked upon the little company, led by one whom a few weeks before the priests and rulers had condemned and crucified. They arrived at the usual place of meeting, that is so often mentioned in the New Testament, the “upper chamber.” Here the little company stretched themselves upon the ground that formed their couch. The entire night was spent in solemnly conversing together, and in prayer for divine enlightenment” (Redemption: or the Resurrection of Christ; and His Ascension, p. 66, 1877). “The brightest morning that ever dawned upon a fallen world, was that in which the Saviour rose from the dead; but it was of no greater importance to man than the day upon which his trial and crucifixion took place. It was not so much by his resurrection that Christ’s influence upon the world was to be acknowledged, as by that of his trial and crucifixion. Had it been the design of Christ to overwhelm his judges and his enemies by proofs that they could not resist, or to sustain himself and his followers while in his hands, by a display of his power, there would have been no room for faith” (Redemption: or the Resurrection of Christ; and His Ascension, p. 69, 1877). This victory in resurrection compels us to consider: yet how does it mirror divine affection in our lives?

LOVE’S ETERNAL REFLECTION!

How does anchoring faith in a living Christ reflect God’s love? God’s love is seen in His desire for an active, personal relationship with us. Jesus’ resurrection embodies this, as Paul states, “Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father” (Romans 6:4). Sr. White adds, “God’s love is best understood through Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary” (The Great Controversy, p. 489). This shows God’s continuous work on our behalf. Anchoring our faith in the living Christ reveals God’s love not as a historical sentiment but as an enduring reality, assuring us of His unchanging grace. The assertion is that resurrection embodies ongoing divine care, fostering intimacy. Evidence lies in Paul’s words linking rising to new life in God. Commentary illustrates love as dynamic, not distant memory. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV). “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10, KJV). “The Son of God came from heaven to make manifest the Father. “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.” John 1:18. “Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” Matthew 11:27. When one of the disciples made the request, “Show us the Father,” Jesus answered, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?” John 14:8, 9” (Steps to Christ, p. 11, 1892). “In describing to His disciples the office work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to inspire them with the joy and hope that inspired His own heart. He rejoiced because of the abundant help He had provided for His church. The Holy Spirit was the highest of all gifts that He could solicit from His Father for the exaltation of His people. The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer. It is by the Spirit that the heart is made pure. Through the Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome all hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and to impress His own character upon His church” (The Desire of Ages, p. 671, 1898). This enduring grace leads us to ask: but how does it apply in everyday existence?

FAITH’S PERSONAL POWER!

On a personal level, I reflect on how a living Christ sustains me during trials. During moments of doubt, I’ve experienced His presence through answered prayers and unexpected blessings. As a community, we must uphold each other as “living stones,” reflecting Christ’s love through service and fellowship (1 Peter 2:5) In society, anchoring faith in a living Savior challenges materialism and self-reliance. The resurrection demonstrates the triumph of spiritual over worldly power. In churches, this foundation combats division, uniting us under the shared hope of a Savior who intercedes for all (Hebrews 7:25). The assertion is that trials test but affirm faith’s resilience through divine support. Evidence from personal encounters shows His tangible aid in crises. Commentary emphasizes community as vital for enduring hardships together. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2-3, KJV). “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18, KJV). “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (Living by Faith, p. 12, 1889). “The force of this is found in the fact that the Christian life, which is the result of faith, is progressive. The Christian life is a continual growth. Peter says: “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:17, 18. The only way to keep from falling from that which we have, is to grow. David says of the righteous man that “he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.” Psalm 1:3. This means continual growth” (Living by Faith, p. 12, 1889). This communal strength urges exploration: yet what secures unwavering belief amid fragility?

UNSHAKABLE FAITH BUILT!

Faith built on anything less than the living Christ is fragile. The baby in the manger stirs awe, His miracles inspire wonder, and His death on the cross stirs gratitude. Yet only the risen Christ offers the unshakable foundation we need. As Paul declares, “If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Let us anchor our faith in Jesus, who lives, intercedes, and loves us unconditionally. As Sr. White reminds us, “The righteousness of God is revealed from “faith to faith,”—faith in the beginning, and faith to the end,—as it is written, “The just shall live by faith” (Living by Faith, p. 3, 1889). The assertion is that lesser anchors crumble, but Christ endures eternally. Evidence contrasts transient wonders with resurrection’s permanence. Commentary affirms that true security lies in His ongoing life. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18, KJV). “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God” (Hebrews 6:1, KJV). “The sum of the whole thing is that it is faith that brings God near to us. If we first believe that he is, he will reveal himself to us more fully. If we rejoice in that light and walk in it, our faith will be increased, and that will bring more light. As with Rahab, so with all. God does not grant us a blessing because we are righteous, but in order that we may become righteous. When our faith brings us to Christ, it is that we may learn of him. To our faith we add virtue and knowledge. To our faith we add virtue and knowledge. But as faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, it follows that the more we really know—accept—of the word of God, the greater will be our faith. And so, increasing daily in faith, the just go on from strength to strength, until the dawning of the perfect day ushers them into the immediate presence of God” (Living by Faith, p. 16, 1889). “Here is set forth a continual reaching out for some higher attainment. The calling of God in Christ Jesus, is a calling to holy or righteous living, for we read: “But like as he which called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15, 16, Revised Version” (Living by Faith, p. 13, 1889).

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