THE FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH SURE

The context of our reading today is one of error being taught; in this particular case, that the resurrection had already taken place. This false teaching had undermined the faith of some and so Paul seeks to strengthen and renew by going back to the foun­dations laid down by the Lord.

Notice that false teaching, described here as ‘empty bab­bling’, is not even worthy of our attention and is also something that will ‘increase’ if left unchecked. False teachers will always need to keep adding to their error; indeed, this is something which characterises all forms of false religion even to the present day. Another metaphor for false teaching is that it is like a ‘can­cer’ or ‘gangrene’ that is rotten to the core and spreads its evil influence. Hymenaeus and Philetus are named forever as those involved in this ungodly occupation. If we are involved in teach­ing others it will be well, only if we adhere closely to the revealed and inspired word of God.

Against all the attacks of the enemy, the foundation laid by the Lord will always stand sure and immovable as a rock, for He Himself is the Rock, and all He is, says and does is characterised by unchanging stability.

In our verse, the foundation has two aspects which seal it. Firstly there is the divine aspect. He knows those that are His, not merely in terms of recognition but also in terms of love and affection for His own. This is positional truth; every true believer is safe and secure and can never be lost, for God ‘knows’ all who have trusted in Him. The second part of the seal is the human aspect, that all those who confess to belong to Christ, should live up to His name in holy living. Refusing to have anything to do with iniquity, the believer should seek to walk in the character of His name.

A seal has to be administered by one who has authority and, in scripture, is presented as irreversible, Dan. 6. 17. It also signifies ownership, Eph. 1. 13. Here is the assurance to our hearts of the stability of our salvation! May we live in the good of our relationship to Christ, our lives today showing to whom we belong eternally.