FAITH: BUILDING ON THE ROCK

1 Corinthians 3:11 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

ABSTRACT

In the pursuit of a strong spiritual life, the concept of building upon a solid foundation stands central to our faith. The Bible identifies Jesus Christ as the Rock on which we must build our lives, providing both stability and salvation.

LIVING FOUNDATION OF FAITH!

Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The Bible contrasts different views of Jesus: the child in the manger, the miracle worker, and the crucified Savior. While these aspects of Christ’s life hold importance, they alone cannot serve as the foundation of salvation. Instead, the focus centers on Jesus as He is today, a living Savior in the heavenly sanctuary. This ongoing role of Christ as High Priest offers us a living hope, which goes beyond His death on the cross and extends to His current ministry in the Most Holy Place. We follow this living way, reflecting a faith that is active and grounded in the present truth of Christ’s intercession. The Scriptures further illustrate this truth in Isaiah 28:16, “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste,” and in Psalm 118:22, “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” As Ellen G. White observes, “Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build. This is the only foundation upon which we may securely build. It is broad enough for all, and strong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world. And by connection with Christ, the living stone, all who build upon this foundation become living stones” (The Desire of Ages, 413, 1898). Sr. White further notes, “Only through a living faith in Christ as a personal Saviour is it possible to make our influence felt in a skeptical world. If we would draw sinners out of the swift-running current, our own feet must be firmly set upon the Rock, Christ Jesus” (The Ministry of Healing, 182, 1905). This connection with Christ builds our faith upon a solid and unmovable foundation, ensuring spiritual stability in the face of trials, but what does this living connection truly mean for us today?

Faith grounds itself not in the past but in the present reality of Jesus Christ’s ongoing role as our High Priest. This living way forms the true foundation on which a lasting spiritual life builds, inviting the question of how God’s love expresses itself through this salvation.

GOD’S ENDURING LOVE!

God’s deep love for humanity highlights how He provides a foundation for salvation through Jesus Christ. This love shows not only in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross but in His ongoing work as our High Priest in heaven. As the text points out, Jesus stands not just as a figure of history but as an active Savior, guiding and interceding for us today. This ongoing care reflects a love that is not distant but continuously present and accessible. The Bible also teaches in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” and in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” As Sr. White explains, “A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding peaceful trust. Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ. Your weakness is united to His strength, your ignorance to His wisdom, your frailty to His enduring might. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection of His character” (Steps to Christ, 70, 1892). Sr. White adds, “We need to have far less confidence in what man can do and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 146, 1900). God’s love manifests as ongoing, personal, and protective, through Jesus Christ’s continual work on behalf of humanity, but how does this evidence of love reveal itself in our daily experiences?

The evidence of this love further shows in Christ’s role in offering humanity a living hope, a hope that is alive and personal. This personal involvement demonstrates a love that goes beyond mere obligation—it nurtures and protects. God shields His people during times of trial, drawing a covering over them to ensure their safety in the last days. His constant intercession and protection reveal a love that actively seeks the well-being and salvation of each person. The Scriptures further support this in Ephesians 3:17-19, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God,” and in 1 John 4:9, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” As Sr. White states, “God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of living water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing” (Steps to Christ, 77, 1892). Sr. White continues, “Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing” (The Desire of Ages, 330, 1898). This enduring love serves as the true foundation of salvation and hope, raising the question of what truly forms the foundation of our faith.

TRUE FOUNDATION REVEALED!

The foundation of our faith is critical to the strength of our relationship with God, and it is essential to ask: Who is the foundation of our faith? The Bible teaches that Jesus is the Rock of our salvation. However, we must discern which portrayal of Jesus serves as the foundation of our faith. For some, it is the baby Jesus in the manger, as depicted in Luke 2:9-12. Many individuals are captivated by this image and worship this infant Jesus, but is this truly the foundation upon which we should build our faith? Others are drawn to the image of Jesus as a miracle worker, based on passages like John 2:1, 7, 8, and 11. However, focusing on miracles alone as the foundation of faith presents a dangerous risk, as the Bible warns of false miracles and deceptions that Satan will use in the last days (Revelation 16:13-14; 13:11-14). “Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 16, 1909). Therefore, building our faith solely on miracles leaves us vulnerable to deception. The Bible also reveals in Matthew 7:22, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” and in 2 Thessalonians 2:9, “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” As Sr. White writes, “The last great delusion is soon to open before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight So closely will the counterfeit resemble the true that it will be impossible to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures” (The Great Controversy, 593, 1911). Sr. White further warns, “Men under the influence of evil spirits will work miracles. They will make people sick by casting their spell upon them, and will then remove the spell, leading others to say that those who were sick have been miraculously healed. This Satan has done again and again” (Selected Messages, vol. 2, 53, 1958). This foundation in the living Christ provides stability, but what happens when we base our faith on past miracles alone?

Jesus indeed performed miracles, and large crowds followed Him because of them (John 6:2). However, Jesus revealed that many people followed Him not out of genuine belief but for selfish reasons (John 6:26). Despite witnessing miraculous acts, their faith was shallow, as they sought signs to satisfy their material desires rather than cultivating true spiritual understanding (John 6:30). Interestingly, John the Baptist, who was regarded as one of the greatest prophets, performed no miracles, yet he was highly esteemed (Luke 7:28; John 10:41). In the last days, many will continue to be deceived by false miracles, just as Jesus warned in Matthew 24:24. Once again, Sr. White emphasizes that God’s true followers will find their safety not in miracles but in the sign God provided in Exodus 31:12-18 (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 16, 1909). Clearly, miracles alone are not a reliable foundation for faith. The Scriptures further emphasize this in Deuteronomy 13:1-3, “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,” and in Revelation 13:13-14, “And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” As Sr. White cautions, “Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God’s people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 16, 1909). Sr. White adds, “The time is coming when Satan will work miracles to confirm minds in the belief that he is God. All the people of God are now to stand on the platform of truth as it has been given in the third angel’s message” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, 5, 1902). This understanding of miracles’ limitations prompts us to ask what other depictions of Jesus might mislead our faith.

Another depiction of Jesus that people sometimes base their faith on is the crucified Christ, dying on the cross. While the death of Jesus is undoubtedly pivotal to our faith, the question remains: is worshipping a dead Jesus truly the foundation of our salvation? When Jesus died on the cross, His disciples were left confused and disheartened, feeling as though their hopes had been shattered (Luke 24:13-21). If we only focus on Christ’s death without recognizing His resurrection, we miss the essence of His victory over death. Jesus Himself stated that He would build His church on a living foundation, referring to Himself as the Rock upon which His church would stand (Matthew 16:18). This church is built on Jesus as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20), and we are called to be living stones, participating in the building of His spiritual temple (1 Peter 2:1-8). Christ is not merely a historical figure who died; He is a living Savior, active in our lives today. The Bible also declares in Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them,” and in Romans 8:34, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” As Sr. White describes, “Christ is the foundation of every true church. All who are brought to a new faith are to be established on the Rock, Christ Jesus” (Faith and Works, 78, 1979). Sr. White elaborates, “The soul who sees Jesus by faith, repudiates his own righteousness. He sees himself as incomplete, his repentance insufficient, his strongest faith but feebleness, his most costly sacrifice as meager, and he sinks in humility at the foot of the cross. But a voice speaks to him from the oracles of God’s word. With astonishment he hears the announcement, ‘Ye are complete in Him.’ Now all is at rest in his soul. No longer must he strive to find some worthiness in himself, some meritorious deed by which to gain the favor of God” (Faith and Works, 107, 1979). This living Savior forms the true foundation, leading us to consider why no other foundation suffices.

We cannot build any other foundation but the living Christ, as Paul affirms in 1 Corinthians 3:11. Though many people focus on the Jesus of 2,000 years ago, whether dead on the cross or lying in the tomb, this image of Christ cannot save anyone. As Paul declares, “If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Our foundation must be the living Christ who rose from the grave and is actively working as our High Priest today. Jesus’ resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the bedrock of our faith, the very foundation upon which our salvation rests. Therefore, we cannot lay any other foundation but Christ alive and triumphant over death. The Scriptures reinforce this in Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” and in 1 Corinthians 15:20, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” As Sr. White affirms, “However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our ‘everlasting Father.’ And He says, ‘I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father’ (John 10:14, R.V.). What a statement is this!—the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be ‘the Man that is My fellow’ (Zechariah 13:7),—the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!” (The Desire of Ages, 483, 1898). Sr. White continues, “The law demands righteousness, and this the sinner owes to the law; but he is incapable of rendering it. The only way in which he can attain to righteousness is through faith. By faith he can bring to God the merits of Christ, and the Lord places the obedience of His Son to the sinner’s account” (Faith and Works, 101, 1979). This unshakeable foundation in the living Christ secures our salvation, but how does anchoring in Him protect us from deception?

The foundation of our faith cannot rest on an image of Jesus in the manger, His miracles, or His death alone. Rather, we must anchor ourselves in the living Christ, who not only died for our sins but also rose from the dead and continues to serve as our High Priest. We are called to be living stones in the spiritual house He is building, rooted firmly in the truth that Jesus is alive and actively working for our salvation. Anything less than this living foundation will leave us vulnerable to deception, especially in these last days, but where does this living way ultimately lead us?

CLOSING CALL TO FAITH!

Hold firmly to the living foundation that is Jesus Christ, emphasizing that only a present, active faith in Him will provide the spiritual stability needed to navigate life’s challenges. The text asserts that worshipping a historical or inactive Christ, such as the baby in the manger or the crucified Savior alone, is insufficient for salvation. Instead, the evidence presented emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Jesus as He is today: our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, interceding on behalf of humanity. As Early Writings notes, the community is shielded and strengthened by this living connection to Christ, which protects in times of spiritual trial. The Bible also affirms this in 1 Peter 1:13, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” and in Titus 2:13, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” As Sr. White declares, “Exercising that living faith, you will grow to strong men and women in Christ Jesus. God grant that this meeting that we are holding may be a meeting where the Sun of Righteousness may rise upon you and shine in your hearts with its clearest rays, making you all lights in the world” (Faith and Works, 78, 1979). Sr. White adds, “The apostle Paul clearly presents the relation between faith and the law under the new covenant. He says: ‘Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ ‘Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.’ ‘For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh’—it could not justify man, because in his sinful nature he could not keep the law—’God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’ Romans 3:28, 31; 8:3, 4” (Faith and Works, 52, 1979). This importance of building one’s faith on a foundation that is active and alive, not static, calls us to rely on Christ’s ongoing ministry, recognizing that His love and care are not confined to past events but are evident in His current work in the heavenly sanctuary. As we hold onto this living hope, we gain empowerment to withstand the deceptions of the last days and secure our place in the kingdom of God. Thus, continually seeking Christ in His present role ensures that our faith rests on an unmovable and living foundation.

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.

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FAITH: BUILDING ON THE ROCK

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