Foundation of our Faith

As Protestants, the Bible, and the Bible alone, is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. {The Signs of the Times, August 5, 1886 par. 14}

The word of God is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH, and therefore it is by the word of God that we may obtain evidence of our standing before God. {The Signs of the Times, December 3, 1894 par. 1}

The doctrines revealed in the word of God are to be the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. It is of the utmost importance that we understand, as far as God has given us capacity for understanding, the principles upon which his government rests; for the principles which we believe and receive into the heart will govern and control the actions. The more clear the understanding of the truth which is in Jesus, the more spiritual will be the religious life, the more holy the affections. {The Southern Watchman, August 14, 1906 par. 8}

The Bible teaches the whole will of God concerning us, and the Bible is to be not only read, but is constantly to be our rule of life, the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH and practise. {The General Conference Bulletin, April 1, 1899 par. 9}

The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. {The Review and Herald, October 13, 1885 par. 4} Also {Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists 171.2}

We shall have to use the Bible for our evidence to show the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. {Spalding and Magan Collection 8.4}

A year ago there was something presented before me in reference to these things, and we shall have to use the Bible for our evidence to show the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. {The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials 1164.3}

God’s great moral standard is His ten precepts, the FOUNDATION OF THE FAITH of prophets and apostles. The Sabbath is the great test question, and He has made precious promises to those who keep His Sabbath from polluting it. His infinite wisdom and power and love are engaged in our behalf. {2 Manuscript Release 119.2}

But there have ever been some who have stood unmoved in their adherence to principle, and have refused to yield their faith to save their lives. The early Reformers were of this number. When urged to accept tradition and the commandments of men in place of the word of God, these men, firmly grasping their Bibles, replied, “Here is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. Show us from the Bible that we are in error, and we will willingly renounce our doctrines.” {The Signs of the Times, November 26, 1885 par. 10}

“The Bible, the Bible, is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH,” was the cry of Protestants in Luther’s time. … Now many Protestants find it difficult to prove their doctrines from the Bible. … Yes, the Protestants of the nineteenth century are fast approaching the Catholics in their infidelity concerning the Scriptures. {The Review and Herald, June 1, 1886 par. 13}

Says the prophet, “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Martin Luther exclaimed, “The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH.” It is the work of the people of God to hold up the Bible as the standard of religion and the foundation of hope. {The Review and Herald, November 5, 1889 par. 10}

Martin Luther exclaimed, “The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH!” Our work is to hold up the law of God; for Christ has said that “it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than for one tittle of the law to fail.” He has said, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” {The Signs of the Times, April 22, 1889 par. 11}

Give to the world the message the Lord has given you. Remove not a pin or a pillar from the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. Preach the truth as it has been given by the Lord. Letter 279, 1904, p. 9. (To Brethren Paulson, Sadler, Jones and Waggoner, August 1, 1904.) {1 Manuscript Release 56.1}

Remove not a pin or a pillar from the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. Preach the truth as it has been given by the Lord. This truth is powerful in the conviction of sinners. {14 Manuscript Release 311.1}

Proclaim this message, for it is your life. God will give you the power of His grace. He will give you the treasures of truth, and the Holy Spirit will make them shine in their original luster. Give to the world the message the Lord has given you. Remove not a pin or a pillar from the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. Preach the truth as it has been given by the Lord. This truth is powerful in the conviction of sinners. {21 Manuscript Release 177.3}

We must stand upon His platform of eternal truth. His Word, the Bible, is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. –Manuscript 169, 1902.

A well-ordered Christian household … have accepted the Bible as the basis of their faith, and they have a FIRM FOUNDATION that cannot be swept away. {The Signs of the Times, January 14, 1886 par. 9} Also {The Signs of the Times, November 9, 1891 par. 8}; {Our Father Cares 296.4}; {Reflecting Christ 168.2}

The Word of the living God is to be the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. {Evangelism 187.4} Gather up the strongest affirmative statements regarding the atonement made by Christ for the sins of the world. Show the necessity for this atonement, and tell men and women that they may be saved if they will repent and return to their loyalty to God’s law. Gather all the affirmatives and proofs that make the gospel the glad tidings of salvation to all who receive and believe on Christ as a personal Saviour. Letter 65, 1905, p. 4. (To Elder A. T. Jones, February 13, 1905.) Also {The Review and Herald, March 2, 1905 par. 6}; {1 Manuscript Release 18.2}

Christ is to be preached, not controversially, but affirmatively. Take your stand without controversy. Let not your words at any time be uncertain. The Word of the living God is to be the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. Gather up the strongest affirmative statements regarding the atonement made by Christ for the sins of the world. Show the necessity for this atonement, and tell men and women that they may be saved if they will repent and return to their loyalty to God’s law. Gather all the affirmatives and proofs that make the gospel the glad tidings of salvation to all who receive and believe on Christ as a personal Saviour. {The Review and Herald, March 30, 1911 par. 15}

The sanctuary question is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. {20 Manuscript Release 66.3} Also {Manuscript Release 760 26.3}

The correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH.–Letter 208, 1906, p. 2. (To G. C. Tenney, June 29, 1906.) Also {Counsels for the Church 347.1}; {The Retirement Years 78.2}

The words and promises of God are the only FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. … God will reward every work that is done to His glory.–Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work 26-29. {Counsels on Sabbath School Work 72.2}

Let the truths that are the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH be kept before the people. — Review and Herald, May 25, 1905. {Counsels to Writers and Editors 29.1}

Nothing is to be allowed to come in that will disturb the FOUNDATION OF THE FAITH upon which we have been building ever since the message came in 1842, 1843, and 1844. I was in this message, and ever since I have been standing before the world, true to the light that God has given us. {The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903 par. 35} Also {The Review and Herald, April 14, 1903 par. 35}

In the early years of the third angel’s message, many of the believers were young in years, but they learned to study God’s Word with prayerful earnestness … As they wrestled with difficult passages, and sought God for understanding, light shone forth from the sacred page, and the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH was established in their hearts. … Their faith in the Bible was substantiated by a personal knowledge of the One who inspired the Word. {The Canadian Union Messenger, September 3, 1907 par. 15}

Many of our people do not realize how firmly the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH has been laid. {Sons and Daughters of God 56.4} My husband, Elder Joseph Bates, Father [Stephen] Pierce, Father Edward Andrews, [the Father of J. N. Andrews]. Elder [Hiram] Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, were among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for hidden treasure. I met with them, and we studied and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light and studying the Word. Again and again these brethren came together to study the Bible, in order that they might know its meaning, and be prepared to teach it with power. When they came to the point in their study where they said, “We can do nothing more,” the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me, I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying would be given me, with instruction as to how we were to labor and teach effectively. Thus light was given that helped us to understand the scriptures in regard to Christ, His mission, and His priesthood. A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain to me, and I gave to others the instruction that the Lord had given me. {1 Selected Messages 206.4}

An Iceberg! “Meet It”

Shortly before I sent out the testimonies regarding the efforts of the enemy to undermine the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH through the dissemination of seductive theories, I had read an incident about a ship in a fog meeting an iceberg. For several nights I slept but little. I seemed to be bowed down as a cart beneath sheaves. One night a scene was clearly presented before me. A vessel was upon the waters, in a heavy fog. Suddenly the lookout cried, “Iceberg just ahead!” There, towering high above the ship, was a gigantic iceberg. An authoritative voice cried out, “Meet it!” There was not a moment’s hesitation. It was a time for instant action. The engineer put on full steam, and the man at the wheel steered the ship straight into the iceberg. With a crash she struck the ice. There was a fearful shock, and the iceberg broke into many pieces, falling with a noise like thunder to the deck. The passengers were violently shaken by the force of the collisions, but no lives were lost. The vessel was injured, but not beyond repair. She rebounded from the contact, trembling from stem to stern, like a living creature. Then she moved forward on her way. {1 Selected Messages 205.3} Also {Testimonies for the Church Containing Letters to Physicians and Ministers Instruction to Seventh-day Adventists 55.3}

The FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH–the foundation that was laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the Word and by revelation? Upon this foundation we have been building for the past fifty years. Do you wonder that when I see the beginning of a work that would remove some of the pillars of our faith, I have something to say? I must obey the command, “Meet it!” . . . {1 Selected Messages 207.3} Also {Testimonies for the Church Containing Letters to Physicians and Ministers Instruction to Seventh-day Adventists 58.1}

We must direct the minds of the people to the Word as the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. {2 Selected Messages 42.5} Also {3 Selected Messages 372.5}

Through obedience to these commandments, humanity is to be sanctified, that the results of skepticism shall not be strengthened, but that the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH shall be made manifest, and all the precepts of God’s holy law enforced. {19 Manuscript Release 249.1} Also {Sons and Daughters of God 194.2}

We are approaching stormy times, and we want to study the true FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. We need to search the Lawbook to see if our title to the immortal inheritance is without a flaw. {Testimonies for the Church Volume Five 546.1}

The words and promises of God are the only FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. Take the Word of God as truth, as a living, speaking voice to you, and obey faithfully every requirement. —Sabbath-School Worker, April, 1886. {Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work 28.1}

The FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH, which was established by so much prayer, such earnest searching of the Scriptures, was being taken down, pillar by pillar. Our faith was to have nothing to rest upon–the sanctuary was gone, the atonement was gone. I realized that something must be done. {Sermons and Talks Volume One 344.1} Also {The Upward Look 152.5}; {Pastoral Ministry 29.2}

Do you wonder that I have something to say, when I see the pillars of our faith beginning to be moved? Seductive theories are being taught in such a way that we shall not recognize them unless we have clear spiritual discernment.–Manuscript 46, May 18, 1904, “The FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH,” a talk given at Berrien Springs, Michigan. {The Upward Look 152.6}

We need to be more diligent in the study of the Scriptures. They must be to us, not a make-believe story, but the truth of the living God, the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH, the assurance on which we build our hope of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. {Pamphlet 014 – Appeals for Unity 8.4} Also {Loma Linda Messages 601.4}

We can not be too diligent in studying God’s Word; for this is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. {The Canadian Union Messenger, September 3, 1907 par. 8}

There is joy for the believer in the promises of God. Let us make these promises the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. If we receive Christ as a personal Saviour, his power will keep us from falling. {The General Conference Bulletin, April 23, 1901 par. 21}

We must have an increase of faith, else we cannot be renewed in the divine image, and love and obey the requirements of God. … The words and promises of God are the only FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH. Take the word of God as truth, as a living, speaking voice to you, and obey faithfully every requirement. {Sabbath-School Worker, April 1, 1886 par. 11}

The God who rules the world in love and wisdom testifies in the death of His Son to His changeless character. He could not change His character as expressed in His law, but He could give His Son, one with Himself, possessing His attributes, to a fallen world. {The Signs of the Times, April 7, 1898 par. 10}

Ministers who went to Battle Creek to teach and strengthen the truths of the Bible, are now, when old and gray-headed, turning from the grand truths of the Bible, and accepting infidel sentiments. This means that the next step will be a denial of a personal God, pulling down the bulwarks of the faith that is plainly revealed in the Scriptures. The sanctuary question is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH.–Manuscript Release 20, 1906, pp. 4, 5. (“Preach the Word,” typed February 7, 1906.) {4 Manuscript Release 248.3}

Ministers have gone to Battle Creek and are not presenting the truth but errors that strike at the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH and our experience of the last half century. This is just as Satan meant it to be. Men are giving heed to seducing spirits and will become adept in misconstruing the Scriptures and testifying to falsehoods. Satan is looking on with great delight. {15 Manuscript Release 204.3}

Unless we stand on the elevated platform of eternal truth, we shall be swept away by the tide of delusive error that is sweeping over the world. {19 Manuscript Release 54.1}

We are to hold the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end. … Let no one attempt to tear down the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH, or to spoil the pattern by bringing into the web threads of human devising. {Spalding and Magan Collection 340.4}

Ministers should present the sure word of prophecy as the FOUNDATION OF THE FAITH of Seventh-day Adventists. The prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation should be carefully studied. [John 1:29.] {GW 148.1} Also {Evangelism 196.2}

Truth must stand in its own order, linked only with truth. {7 Manuscript Release 189.3} Unbelief disturbs the balance of the system of truth, and tends to destroy the whole. {Bible Training School, March 1, 1915 par. 3}

Tried and aged servants of God are most precious in His sight, and they are not to be cast off or made to feel that they are no longer of use in His cause. They should not be expected to engage in active labor and carry the heavy burdens which they once bore; younger men should put their shoulder to the wheel and work disinterestedly, carrying the work strongly and zealously forward; but, though called to bear responsibilities, they should, with true humility of mind, know how to value and use the wisdom and counsel of these more experienced ones. … The Lord will certainly use these old standard-bearers, who have served Him with heart and pen, and voice and means, if they will continue to cling fast to Him. He is, and ever will be, with the veterans who have held fast to the truth in times of peril. When the FOUNDATION OF THE FAITH of younger men seems to be giving way, and their house falling, the testimony of these older warriors , like Caleb, will be heard, “Let us go up at once, and possess it [the land]; for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30. {Pacific Union Recorder, March 27, 1902 par. 12}

Abraham had a special interest in the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. To him it was revealed that in Christ his hopes of eternal life were centered. Through his sacrifice his salvation was complete, and Abraham’s heart was filled with comfort, hope, and assurance, which was to him a FIRM FOUNDATION, a solid rock, upon which he rested in confidence that could not be shaken. {The Gospel Herald, August 1, 1906 par. 8}

Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Our great need is to have Him formed within, the hope of glory. He is to come into our individual experience, as a personal Saviour. He is the FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH, the Rock of Ages. “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity.” (Psalms 32:2) {The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters 110.8} Also {The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White Letters 202.1}; {Loma Linda Messages 144.5}

The Lord is, and ever will be, with the old, steadfast leaders who have held fast to the truth in times of peril. When the FOUNDATION OF THE FAITH of the younger men seems to be swept away and their houses falling, the testimony, like that of Caleb, will be heard from the old warriors, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” [Numbers 13:30]. {15 Manuscript Release 289.1}

Now, just now, is our great opportunity to study the word of life. The hearts of many in this world are hungering for the bread of life and thirsting for the water of salvation. They desire to know the Scriptures; they desire to know what the word of God says to them. The Holy Spirit is impressing their hearts, drawing them to the bread of life. They see everything around them changing. They come to hear the Word just as it reads. They desire to build upon a FIRM FOUNDATION; and therefore Christians are counseled to be always ready to give a reason of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear. {The Review and Herald, May 1, 1900 par. 5}

Jesus compared the man who hears and obeys his words to the one who built his house upon a rock. The floods of temptation may come and the tempests of trial beat; but he remains unmoved, for his foundation is sure. But the man who built his house on the sand, where it had no FIRM FOUNDATION, but was quickly undermined and overthrown, fitly represents the one who hears the words of Christ and disregards them. Will we let this lesson impress our hearts, and have an influence on our character building? {The Signs of the Times, October 29, 1885 par. 11}

How precious to the believer are the rich promises of God! Jesus himself endured the penalty of the law in his own body upon the accursed tree, that he might make it possible for all the human family to keep the commandments of God. Without the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour, fallen man could never meet the claims of the law, God could not sustain his holiness and justice, and justify the sinner; but how glorious is the truth of the atonement! what a FIRM FOUNDATION have the saints of the most high God upon which to rest their salvation! Not one of the promises can fail; the condemned sinner may be purified and made white through the righteousness of Christ. Those who love Jesus will love the law of God, because it is a transcript of his character. {The Signs of the Times, August 18, 1890 par. 4}

Without the help of the Saviour, fallen man could never keep the law of God. But how glorious is the truth of the atonement? What a FIRM FOUNDATION have the saints of the Most High on which to place their hope of salvation! Not one of God’s promises can fail. Through the righteousness of Christ the condemned sinner may be purified and made white. The Redeemer has carried the world’s burden of guilt and woe, and He is able to strengthen His children for the conflicts that day by day they will meet in the path to heaven. {The Signs of the Times, March 18, 1903 par. 8}

We have seen enough of what the world calls perfection to know that all such is valueless, “for the earth is corrupt under the inhabitants thereof.” But if we hide our life in Christ, we are the happiest mortals on the face of the earth. We have a faith that works by love and purifies the soul, for Christ is the purifier and the cleanser of everyone. Is Christ to you the first, the last, and the best in everything? If He is, you have a hope that goes beyond the dark shadows which, like a pall of death, cover the world; your hope is cast within the veil. You do not drift hither and thither, but have a FIRM FOUNDATION, even Christ Jesus. {Sermons and Talks Volume Two 111.1}

1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, [ye are] God’s building.

1 Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the FOUNDATION, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other FOUNDATION can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the FOUNDATION of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the FOUNDATION of GOD standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

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Foundation of our Faith