FOUNDATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ...But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we..” 

(1 Cor. 3:11; Heb. 3:6)

The four gospels are foundational and absolutely essential in the Christian’s life. Paul’s letters, on the other hand, are structural and just as indispensable. There is in the Bible such a thing as progressive revelation. And Paul, without controversy, was the custodian of such. Some feel they’re more spiritual if they only adhere to the gospels, but these misinformed saints are on the wrong side of Christ’s tomb. 

“The days of His flesh” are behind us and we are to “go on to perfection” (maturity). Apollos was a mighty man in the scriptures, but knew only the baptism of John and preached faithfully the light that he had. But Paul’s two companions, Aquila and Priscilla, who were husband and wife, took him aside and expounded to him Paul’s teachings concerning the crucified risen Christ. After this we read he was even more greatly used; and others were blessed abundantly.

To know of the historical crucified Christ is imperative, but now we have entered into a new relationship with the risen Son of God. To worship only the Babe in the manger is to remain one yourself. We are presently a part of a new creation, thus everything has become new! Our view of Christ, ourselves, others, the world, and yes life itself, is seen in a different light. We’re now to see everything from heaven’s perspective. 

Warren Wiersbe writes, “It is unfortunate that too great an emphasis is given in music and art on ‘Christ after the flesh.’ The facts about the earthly life of Jesus are important because the Christian message is grounded in history, but we must interpret the manger by the throne. We do not worship a babe in a manger; we worship a glorified Saviour on a throne.” To be sure, to know the heavenly Christ is heavenly!