May 21

Other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.—1 Corinthians 3:11.

THE Apostle speaking of the believer, likens him "to a house, and as an habitation of God through the Spirit." He is also likened to a temple, "know ye not that ye are the temple of God." Now these metaphorical statements, shew the connection and propriety, of Christ being set forth as a foundation. Let us then first ascertain, of what, Christ is the foundation. Now Christ is the foundation of the sinner's acceptance with God. God cannot be merciful to man, consistently with the demands of his holiness, justice, and truth, except in and through Jesus Christ. Christ's holiness, obedience, and merits, are the only grounds on which God is propitious to the sinner: so that Jesus is the only foundation of pardoning mercy, and justifying grace. Christ is the foundation of the believer's peace. Hence he is called, "Our peace." (Ephesians 2:14.) Jesus came and preached peace. When he arose from the dead, he imparted peace to his disciples. "And being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." He is the foundation of all sorts of peace. By him, angels are at peace with us. God is at peace with us. And we have peace with conscience, the peace of God within us, which passeth all understanding. Christ is the foundation of hope. We are begotten again to a lively hope, by the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Christ's blessed gospel has brought life and immortality to light. Christ's merits have laid a solid and honorable basis for their bestowment. And his great and precious promises respecting them, give the believer a hope unspeakably bright, and full of glory. Christ is the foundation of eternal life. He died, rose again, and ascended into heaven, that we might obtain eternal life. He gives unto his sheep eternal life. We have eternal life in his name. "And this is the record that God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in his son."