A Sure Foundation

In 1^st Corinthians 3:10-11 Paul makes the following statement: “According to the grace of YHVH which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Yeshua the Messiah”.  In other words, "the Living Word of Elohim" is the foundation laid by the first apostles and prophets of old. Let me insert a clarification here: The apostles and prophets of what is commonly called “the fivefold ministry” (Ephesians 4:11) are not the builders of the foundation, nor are they the ones that are to add to or take away from it.  They are called to build on the foundation that has already been constructed, that is on the “Rock”, and Scriptural foundation.  

“Therefore thus says YHVH Elohim, ‘behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes [in Him] will not act hastily” (Isaiah 28:16).  

The ‘prophets of old’, i.e. the Biblical prophets, and the first apostles were the ones to whom Paul was referring in Ephesians 2:20: “…having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yeshua the Messiah Himself being the chief cornerstone”. As a result of their groundwork we have “come to Yeshua as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by YHVH and precious,  we also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to YHVH through Yeshua the Messiah” (1^st  Peter 2:4-5).  Without the foundation which has been built by the prophets and the apostles, we, as living stones, cannot be set on a sure foundation.  The prophets’ foundation is the Word of Elohim in covenants and promises to our forefathers and to Israel as a whole, enumerating details of people, place and time (history past and future fulfillment).  The apostolic foundation bears witness to YHVH’s faithfulness in keeping and fulfilling those covenantal declarations and prophetic promises via the indwelling of the Spirit.   The Holy Spirit is the guarantee and the evidence of YHVH’s faithfulness:  “For all the promises of Elohim in Him are yes, and in Him amen, to the glory of YHVH through us.  Now He who establishes us with you in Messiah and has anointed us is Elohim, He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” (2 Corinthians 1:20-22).   

 “Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him that glory may dwell in our land.  Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.  Truth shall spring out of the earth, [that is, from our innermost being], and righteousness shall look down from heaven” (Psalm 85:9-11).  Thus, it is in us that heaven and earth touch each other and kiss.