A critical part of any building is the foundation. If it is anchored securely, well-designed, and well-constructed, then it provides a stable footing for the structure. Storms and earthquakes might strike the building but the structure will withstand the test. Jesus emphasized the importance of building our Christian character upon the proper foundation in Matthew 7:24-25 (NASB):
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.”
For our Christian character and life to successfully endure the trial of our faith, it must be built on the foundation of God’s truth. In this and a subsequent issue of the Herald we review the foundation truths that form the basis of our faith in God, in His plan of salvation and that guide our walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
“Thy Word is Truth” considers why we believe the Bible is the word of God. It examines the accuracy of Bible history, the Bible’s moral principles, and the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. “God Who Made the Heaven and the Earth” examines how the scientific discoveries of the “Big Bang,” the beginnings of life, formation of the atmosphere, the influence of the moon and sun, and the creation of plant and animal life agree with the Genesis account.
“The LORD Thy God” examines the character of our Creator and how God’s justice, wisdom, power, and love are revealed in His past actions and His plan for mankind’s salvation. Next, “A Living Soul” considers God’s purpose in creating mankind, what God required from man, what knowledge and experience man gains through the permission of evil, and why God’s son had to be made flesh for man’s salvation. “Dying Thou Shalt Die” considers how and why Adam and Eve disobeyed in Eden, why God allowed this experience, and how man’s heart must be transformed to regain life. The final article, “The Sleep of Death,” reviews how the Bible describes death as a “sleep” from which all will be awakened.
We hope that this and the subsequent issue (September-October 2014) will strengthen our faith in and understanding of the foundation truths that we all hold so dear.
