What is the foundation of church-age doctrine and practice?
The foundation of church-age doctrine and practice is Jesus Christ. Scripture declares no other foundation can be laid than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Paul makes plain that this foundation undergirds everything concerning the church age, and believers are part of building upon Christ, the hope of salvation.
Les explains that Paul is not the basis of salvation; the foundation is Jesus Christ. In verse 11, the other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. When He laid the foundation—the foundation of everything concerning the church age, doctrines, and practice—other apostles built upon it, and the Old Testament prophets and what they wrote all add to it, because everything fits together like a hand in glove for the eternal purposes of God. Paul makes plain that believers are part and parcel of building on the foundation that is Christ, and the hope of our salvation. Les then moves to verse 12, bringing it down to the nitty gritty of everyday Christian experience: if anyone builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble. Six materials are listed: three are indestructible by fire, and three can go up in a puff of smoke, yet all are potential materials for the Christian’s daily experience.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
More Questions
How do the Old Testament prophets and other apostles relate to the foundation of Jesus Christ?
Old Testament prophets and other apostles built upon the foundation of Christ, adding writings that fit together for God's eternal purposes.