FAITH IN THE FOUNDATION
Terry R. Baughman
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).
The writer of the Book of Hebrews identified Jesus as, “The author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). He is the one who has the power of the pen. His initiative brought about out our beginning as He authored our creation and maturity. He is also the one who will write our final chapter and finish the story of our faith journey. The New International Version (NIV) translates this passage as, “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Our faith is not a defined and packaged item that we received when we responded to the call of the Gospel, rather it is many packages, many facets of illumination, and many confirmations of understanding of who God is and how He is revealed in our lives. He indeed is the pioneer who blazed the trail and marked the way to salvation. “He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you,” as we make our progression through life’s difficult passages (Deuteronomy 31:6). He is forever, “God with us!” He is continually developing and defining our faith.
Paul assured that we can be confident of His enduring work in the unfinished structure of our faith’s construction. We can be certain that the work is continuing, and optimistic of the outcome. Jesus will carry on the building program until its completion, until the day we stand in His presence. (See the text above.)
The greatest guarantee of a successful construction is the security of the foundation. When you are built on the sure foundation you have no reason to fear and no need for panic. The prophet proclaimed the word of the Lord, “I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic” (Isaiah 28:16 NIV).
Have no fear. The carpenter’s son from Nazareth is in control of the construction. He is also the cornerstone of the foundation. When we trust the architect we will not be afraid for the outcome of the finished work. From the foundation of the world God had a plan. It was His intention and desire to pay the price and to provide the blueprint for the finished work of Calvary.
John saw Him in prophetic past as, “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). Peter wrote of God’s eternal purpose and recognized that, “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:20). Jesus came with a purpose. It was all a part of that eternal plan. On the cross His final words were, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The work was done. He faithfully completed His mission.
Because of Christ’s great victory over death, hell, and the grave, we have tremendous confidence in His ability to finish what He has started in our lives. Paul recognized that, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). His plan is not rushed or reactionary. His purpose was predicted from the beginning and we can be confident of its completion.
We can trust in Him. We are confident to the finish!
Scripture:
“I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16 NIV).
Terry R. Baughman
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).
The writer of the Book of Hebrews identified Jesus as, “The author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). He is the one who has the power of the pen. His initiative brought about out our beginning as He authored our creation and maturity. He is also the one who will write our final chapter and finish the story of our faith journey. The New International Version (NIV) translates this passage as, “Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Our faith is not a defined and packaged item that we received when we responded to the call of the Gospel, rather it is many packages, many facets of illumination, and many confirmations of understanding of who God is and how He is revealed in our lives. He indeed is the pioneer who blazed the trail and marked the way to salvation. “He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you,” as we make our progression through life’s difficult passages (Deuteronomy 31:6). He is forever, “God with us!” He is continually developing and defining our faith.
Paul assured that we can be confident of His enduring work in the unfinished structure of our faith’s construction. We can be certain that the work is continuing, and optimistic of the outcome. Jesus will carry on the building program until its completion, until the day we stand in His presence. (See the text above.)
The greatest guarantee of a successful construction is the security of the foundation. When you are built on the sure foundation you have no reason to fear and no need for panic. The prophet proclaimed the word of the Lord, “I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic” (Isaiah 28:16 NIV).
Have no fear. The carpenter’s son from Nazareth is in control of the construction. He is also the cornerstone of the foundation. When we trust the architect we will not be afraid for the outcome of the finished work. From the foundation of the world God had a plan. It was His intention and desire to pay the price and to provide the blueprint for the finished work of Calvary.
John saw Him in prophetic past as, “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). Peter wrote of God’s eternal purpose and recognized that, “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Peter 1:20). Jesus came with a purpose. It was all a part of that eternal plan. On the cross His final words were, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The work was done. He faithfully completed His mission.
Because of Christ’s great victory over death, hell, and the grave, we have tremendous confidence in His ability to finish what He has started in our lives. Paul recognized that, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). His plan is not rushed or reactionary. His purpose was predicted from the beginning and we can be confident of its completion.
We can trust in Him. We are confident to the finish!
Scripture:
“I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16 NIV).
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