FOUNDATIONAL TEACHINGS

One of the functions of the first century A.D. apostles and prophets of Jesus Christ was to lay down the foundations of the Church, the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Luke 6:46 And why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? 47 Whosoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them, I will show you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man who built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

In Acts 2:40 – 43 it says of the early Church in Jerusalem, “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teachings and fellowship”. The apostles with the help of the prophets are responsible for establishing, maintaining, teaching and writing down church doctrine (teachings); the teachings of Christ, which had either come to them directly from Jesus Christ, or by the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus Christ tells us that His teachings are a sure foundation (Luke 6:46 – 49). The Church according to Ephesians 2:19 – 20, is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets – with Christ Jesus Himself, the chief cornerstone.

What are these foundational teachings that make up the foundation of the Church?

The Apostle Paul writes:

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the teachings of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the teaching of plungings, and of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.

This list can be divided up into six foundational teachings, which were all laid down by the early apostles and prophets.

1: The  teaching of repentance from dead works.

2: The teaching of faith towards God.

3: The teaching of plungings.

4: The teaching of the laying on of hands.

5: The teaching of the resurrection of the dead.

6: The teaching of eternal judgment.

Many believe that because the early apostles and prophets have completed the work of laying down the foundational teachings of the Church, the Church no longer has any need of apostles and prophets. But that belief overlooks the apostles and prophets function of maintaining and teaching the foundational teachings…

Follow the link to learn more:

The Restoration Continues. Part 2.

Author Kenneth Allan Clark. Published by Just Restoration Online © Copyright 2021