A Sure Foundation
The Apostle Paul’s assertion regarding the vital necessity of being based on a solid foundation rings true for us today.
“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity’” (2 Timothy 2:19).
Within this verse is some very important information for us to digest. Many members are questioning what is going to happen to the Church, realizing that the current fractured situation cannot go on forever. Is it possible that the solution to church fragmentation lies more in our court than in waiting for some solution to come from somewhere else?
In the previous verse, Paul addresses the fact that due to doctrinal aberration, the faith of some had been overturned. Clearly this is relatable for us today. The differences may vary, but the result is the same.
The Greek word for foundation implies that which is set, laid or placed. It refers to members who are members placed in the body of Christ who must stand firmly on the will of God.
“… just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,” (Ephesians 1:4-5).
The verse in 2 Timothy illuminates two means by which we can know the foundation on which we need to stand to prevent a loss of faith. These actions on our part will identify who stands on that solid foundation.
Firstly, this foundation is identified by the fact that Christ knows who are His. Paul makes it clear that there are some in the church who are not His (2 Timothy 2:17). And there is only one foundation which is sure.
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).
It appears that Paul makes this assertion based on the words of Nahum the prophet.
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).
Those who trust in Him will stand on His revealed will. They will identify and resist those who peddle their own versions of what they think is God’s will.
“But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?” (Galatians 4:9).
Secondly, the sure seal will involve departing from iniquity. We must obligate ourselves to maintaining a high standard in living a godly way of life. Paul’s language indicates a command to everyone who claims Christ as his Lord to “stand from, withdraw from, and separate from unrighteousness”.
Do we have this seal? The seal is clear, Christ knows those who belong to Him. These are the people who are true members of the body in this and every age. They know the will of God and will be taking action in their lives to separate from unrighteousness.
Could it be that this action on our part may be the catalyst to the needed unity of the body of Christ?
Brian Orchard
