About Me (Kathy L McFarland)

This is a Professional Theology website for mature Christians. (See About our Bible Studies)

I include Bible studies, worksheets, lessons, reports, references, glossaries, and classrooms for Bible and Sunday School teachers  to increase mature learning, enhanced instruction, and deep revelations of the mysteries of the Lord. I provide teaching tools and resources with a focus on advancing spiritual knowledge of mature Christians through the Word of God.

I am a Becker Bible Studies teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. I have received my Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University and the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School.  I am the Founder and President of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc., the curriculum developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy, and a teaching  faculty member. I also perform duties as Chaplain, and I am an endorser for Chaplains at Becker Bible Ministries, Inc.

I have been trained to be a writer of Bible Studies all of my life. I have suffered many life challenges to equip me with words of God’s Truth and wisdom beyond normal expectations of mature spiritual growth, thanks be to God. I am one of only a few Bible Study authors that are moved by the Lord to fully write exegesis of Scripture typology and mysteries. My students are mature Christians who are well-versed in the first parts of faith, but are moved by the Lord to come closer to Him with these strong and deeper teachings.

Those mature Christian students spiritual lives change dramatically as they master the deeper mysteries of the LORD God’s Word through their studies and the moving of the Holy Spirit. My students and I are continually blessed by the Lord to come closer to Him through His revelations.

All of my studies placed on this site are free to any mature Christian called closer to study the things of God. I only ask that you cite your uses of my material and that you do NOT profit from presentation or sharing of these studies.

Looking forward to this newest journey with YOU!

Exegesis of Isaiah 6:1-13

Becker Bible Studies Logo

INTRODUCTION

Isaiah 6 is filled with brilliant imagery, passion, and religious depth that stir the calling of God in the souls of believers, especially in the first eight verses of the chapter.  But, the mood quickly changes, as Isaiah 6:9-13 records the Prophet Isaiah’s eighth century declaration of desolation for his homeland, with specific warnings of God’s intent to remove the spiritual awareness of His people. This deadening of spiritual realization becomes critical to first century Jews and Christians as the presence of Christ and His testimony establish the New Covenant of the LORD God with believers. Isaiah 6 clearly warns Judah of the coming desolation and records God’s promotion of obduracy, which highlights the relationship between understanding and redemption in the salvation process.

CONTEXT

Historical/ Cultural – The Book of Isaiah records the visions of Prophet Isaiah.  It contains 66 chapters that bear witness to God’s communication with His disobedient people. These chapters show Israel’s refusal to heed God’s will because of their rebellion, pride, and self-will to establish government on their terms. The prophetic genre is both poetic and narrative in its approach, and meets the basic requirements of prophetic literature that speaks with the Word of God about election and covenant, rebellion and judgment, compassion and redemption, and consummation.[1]

The first six chapters show God’s judgment brought to bear upon Israel and Jerusalem, but then continues to record Israel’s struggles to achieve political control fighting against God’s help that leads to the arrival of Cyrus from Persia to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. Isaiah 6 is a climax to the troubles of Judah accounted in Isaiah 1-5, and bridges the Lord of hosts to become the Holy One of Israel (10:17, 12:6, 29:19, 30:11).[2] The placement of Chapter 6 shows its dependence upon chapters 1-5 that record accusations against the people’s unwillingness to obey God.[3]

The assumed author[4] of the Book of Isaiah is the Prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, who lived and worked in Jerusalem from about 750 to 700 B.C.E. All that is known about Isaiah is contained in this one Book of Isaiah; though it is not explicitly stated in Scripture, Isaiah 8:16 suggests Isaiah as the author to “bind up the testimony of God.”[5]

The narrative is easily dated to the eighth century because of the numerous historical references throughout the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah 7-12 is dated to ca.733 based upon the historical date of the Syro-Ephraimite crisis. The broad, introductory Isaiah 1-6 warns against Judah’s wickedness around 745-740 before political danger comes their way.[6]  Specifically, Uzziah’s death is dated around 742 by Bright,[7] but it is hard to fix his reign because he shared it as a co-regent with Jotham (2 Chronicles 6:21). Though most scholars from the early church to present day think Chapter 6 of Isaiah to be in the perfect place to bridge 1-5 with 7 forward in a certain chronological order, there is some debate with the placement of Chapter 6;[8] however, the argument seems mostly insignificant for exegesis purposes.

An important consideration in exegesis of Isaiah 6 is to avoid the tendency to break the narrative up into two sections with Isaiah 1-8 that leads to the commission of Isaiah and 9-13 which announces the coming spiritual desolation of God’s people.  Exegesis of Isaiah 6 demands both parts to be connected as one unit, because neither exists without the other; Isaiah’s obedience to God and the purging of his sin recorded in Isaiah 6:1-8 is in direct contrast to God’s people’s disobedience to Him, and their plunging to blindness and deafness a direct result of their sinful nature against God.[9] Isaiah 6, interpreted as one unit, is critical to fully develop the things God reveals through the Prophet and the book He penned.

However, it should be noted that a fresh collection of prophecies begins in Isaiah 6, and seems to introduce the group of prophesies contained with Isaiah 7:1-9:7.  This group speaks prophecies from Isaiah that is connected with the historical setting of the Syro-Ephraimitic invasion, which culminates in the Messianic identification embodied in Isaiah 9:1-6.[10]

Literary – Isaiah 6:1-13 is a first-person, datable, narrative monologue that connects chapters 1-4 in a bridge with chapters 7-35.[11] It is the second time that Isaiah claims divine authority[12] as he declares the condition of spiritual desolation that will come against the land.[13] Thematically, Isaiah 6:1-4 describes Isaiah’s vision of the LORD God and claims to present specific words from God originating from a face-to-face encounter. Isaiah experiences a sense of unworthiness in 6:5-7 and receipt of God’s commission in 6:8-13 in a structure similar to other Old Testament call stories that contains divine confrontation (6:1-2),  introductory word (6:3-7), commission (6:8-10), objection (6:11a) and reassurance (6:11b-13).[14] That the call to Isaiah to minister to the rebellious nation comes in the middle of Isaiah’s book garners debate through its curious lateness;[15] but, when one considers chapter 6 as the beginning of a fresh series of prophecies independent of chapters 1-5, but bridging towards the next set of prophecies, Isaiah’s call to minister to Israel becomes heightened and critical to the thematic development of the book.

It should be noted that some scholars’ claim that verses 6:12-13 were added in the sixth-century and sometimes disregard them because of this supposition.[16] Regardless, the focused content leading to Isaiah’s call cannot be disregarded; the impact of this supernatural contact with the LORD God is evident through the words of Isaiah in chapter 6.

CONTENT

Isaiah 6:1a opens to the announcement that King Uzziah has died.  This opening fails to account for how the death of King Uzziah affects Isaiah, but since he was the only king Isaiah had known, as well as the growing sense of doom building from the Assyrian threat by Tiglath-Pileser III’s ascendancy, it might have affected him greatly.[17] Isaiah’s confidence in the king of his youth must have been smashed as Judah’s leader succumbs to shame, stupor, leprosy and finally death; certainly the stability of his homeland without its king was in his worries.[18] It is likely that Isaiah knew of the Prophets Hosea and Amos[19] (2 Chronicles 26) earlier warnings to the economically and militarily successful King Uzziah and his people that their societal sins would bring punishment from God.[20]  Without question, at the time of his death, his people are ripe for judgment against their sins by an angry LORD God that had lost His patience.[21]

It is important to note that young Isaiah saw his king rot and succumb to the leprosy of uncleanness, and at his king’s death, he visualizes standing in the midst of God’s realm with supernatural visions that reveal the righteous and holy, holy, holy Lord of hosts sitting upon His throne, lifted high above the degeneration of human depravity that was encroaching the land of Judah (v. 1, 8).

The opening perceptions of Isaiah where he sees the Lord sitting in verse 1 connects strongly to verse 8 where he hears the voice of the Lord.[22]  These words that indicate Isaiah’s seeing and hearing the Lord interconnect with the message He is given to by the Lord to deliver to His people in verse 8b: “Hear ye indeed, but understand not; And see ye indeed, but perceive not.” That Isaiah clearly sees and hears the Lord is surety that his heart is not fat, his ears are not heavy, his eyes are not shut as the condition of spiritual blindness and deafness is revealed in verse 10. This spiritual connection of Isaiah to the Lord further assures the reader that he understands God with his heart and is fully converted and healed by Him as revealed through his ability to both see and hear the holy Lord giving further testimony to his duties to God’s people as His Prophet. It is only his lips that are unclean, preventing his words from being spoken in the Lord’s presence; this condition will be addressed further in the Isaiah 6:5 section of this paper.

Isaiah 6:1b – The Lord’s throne is accentuated by Poet/Prophet Isaiah’s descriptive words “high and lifted up” Each of these descriptions differs from another, though both can be represented by either Hebrew word that holds similar meaning. Isaiah purposely describes the place of the Lord with these separate, purposefully chosen Hebrew words רוּם (highly exalted),[23] נָשָׂא (even more highly exalted)[24] to express the separation of the full glorious presence of the Lord rising above those who stood in His presence in this holy place. But, it should also be noted that the spiritually purified Seraphim stood above the throne, reminiscent of the Tabernacle Holy of Holies, where the image of two cherubim angels spread wings that shelters the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, that contained the two stone tablets of law and the filling of a cloud of glory from LORD God’s presence in the midst of the congregation of Israel (1 Kings 8:6-11).

There is a deep contrast in Isaiah 6 from the start as Isaiah stands between a degenerating homeland with a dead king and in the presence of the throne room filled with the glory of the Lord, whose train drops down to His Temple making contact with the human world from the heavenly place. It is not only the differences between Isaiah’s world and the Lord that his words reveal, but, the connection the Lord holds with humanity through the Temple of God that will soon be raised again as Cyrus the builder’s arrival is announced in Isaiah 44:28.  Isaiah 6 bridges the fallen state of Judah with the raising of a Temple connecting God’s people to the Lord with His throne in Heaven.

Isaiah 6:2, 3 – The three-fold echoing of God’s “Holy, Holy, Holy” nature by the six-winged, burning Seraphim fly above the majestic, luminous Lord upon His throne and reveals the Omnipresence of God with His glory shining forth as their instantaneous and uncontrollable shout outs of praise to declare His glory. A connection of the Seraphim in Isaiah 6:2, 3 seems likely with similar four beasts with six wings in Revelations 4:8 that speaks “Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Also, John’s supernatural visions recorded in Revelations 4 amplifies the atmosphere surrounding the majestic throne of God, with elaboration of the full spectacle of glory, adding a depth of visualization that is first reported through Isaiah’s supernatural vision.  Both accounts support and confirm the other, and give believers insight into the realm that the Lord reigns from.

It seems Isaiah becomes transformed through the words of unending praise from the Seraphim, as if his very spirit is raised high to join them in the praise of His Lord then plunges to the depth of despair when he realizes the condition of his unclean lips (v. 5).

Isaiah 6:4 – Some scholars think that with the post of the doors shaking and smoke filling the house as a result of one of the angels speaking, that the fiery nature of the Seraphim are linked with the theophany of the LORD God revealed in the thunder and lightning in the Old Testament, especially in Psalms 18:8-9 and Baal’s seven thunders and lightnings.[25] Others, especially the secular scholars, make a connection of Isaiah 6:2-4 account of the Seraphim with the Egyptian Uraei (winged sphinxes), symbols of human and divine kingship.[26] This view often leads to the false conclusion that the thunder and lightning recorded in Psalm 24, Habakkuk 3:9, and Isaiah 6 are a personification of a god nature that is paralleled from a Baal mythology in the Ugaritic text.[27]

Biblical exegesis of Isaiah 6 must avoid the typological connection of Psalm 18:9-10 to Isaiah 6; that the LORD God thunders and shakes the foundations of the earth, that smoke comes out of his nostrils, and the fire from his mouth devours in the poetic tome that captures the deliverance of a believer by God does not represent the shaking of the door posts by a Seraphim.  The deliverer of the praise to the Lord at his throne in Isaiah 6 is not God, and the result of post shaking and smoke filling the room are not representative of His deliverance, at least in the very literal sense. However, there are several different types of smoke, those in Rev. 8:4 and 15:8 associated with the heavenly altar, Rev. 9 speaks of smoke from the abyss where the locusts demons arise, and smoke as proof of the eternal torment of the prostitute of Babylon and the beast’s followers is in Rev. 14:11, 18:18.[28] The smoke in the purification associated with God’s altar that links to the power and glory of God as captured in Isaiah 6:4 is clearly related to this type described in Rev. 8:4 and 15:8.

There are typological significances in the shaking of the door posts and the house filled with smoke that connect firmly with other Scripture to give us a deeper understanding of this account in Isaiah 6:4.  It is a fact confirmed by Scripture that God had the Israelites paint the door posts of their dwelling places with the blood sacrificed from the lamb so on that terrible night when death was given to the firstborn Egyptians, God might see the dwelling place of His people and passover them (Exodus 12:3-14). The teachings of Christ speak of a house built upon a solid foundation which makes connection to the house of a believer built upon the solid foundation of Christ able to endure difficult times (Matthew 7:24-27).  The Lord also speaks a parable about sheep entering through the door, His door, to follow their shepherd through (John 10:1-18). Without the need to jump to unsupported conclusions, the posts of a door can be easily connected to symbolize the spiritual entry place of a believer; it is the entrance place that leads to where a believer’s heart, mind, and soul are contained, and it opens with the door of Christ and reveals the actual dwelling place of that believer. When this is combined with the purifying smoke associated with the heavenly throne room in Isaiah 6, an easy connection to the purifying smoke emitting from the fire-sacrificed lambs (Leviticus 1-9), then a deeper understanding of Isaiah 6:4 can be gained.

With those deeper associations of door posts and smoke in mind, Isaiah 6:4 shaking posts and the smoke-filled house seem to penetrate Isaiah past his human awareness, to a deep spiritual awareness of his inward parts. It is at that very significant moment, when Isaiah cries out in agony, “Woe is me! For I am undone,” that his sins are able to be purged and his iniquity removed.  Isaiah has been given supernatural visions of the glorious Lord sitting upon His throne, with odd creatures with six wings standing over the throne; he is able to hear their praises to the Lord, he is able to recognize his Savior, and he is able to process everything that is going on.  But, until the door posts are shaken, until the house fills with smoke, Isaiah is too contaminated by sin to fully participate in this supernatural event unfolding through his vision.

Isaiah 6:5-7 – “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place?” asks the Psalmist in Psalm 24:3.  Verse 4 answers it is “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, Nor sworn deceitfully.”  It is apparent that Isaiah meets all of these requirements, or he would not be standing in the holy throne room of the Lord.  Even though he was able to be present with the Lord, he suffers a dirtiness of unclean lips and he dwells in the midst of people of unclean lips. It is noteworthy, that Isaiah blames himself, not the people he dwells with that also suffer from this sinful condition; this accountability, most certainly is made possible through self-evaluation because of the purifying smoke that penetrates his being, and the powerful viewing with his own eyes the King, the Lord of hosts, that brings repentance and shame.

Isaiah 6:6 records the cleansing of Isaiah’s lips touched by a hot, fiery coal held by the tongs of one Seraph that sears the impurities, takes the iniquity away, and purges the sin. It is interesting that Isaiah speaks of two results to the touching of his lips with the hot coal to be “thine iniquity (עָוֹן – wrongdoing[29]) is taken away” and “thy sin (חַטָּאָה – wickedness[30]) purged.” Both the unholy action and the wicked result are purged from Isaiah by the fiery coal (רִצְפָּה – glowing coal[31]).[32] It is through the coals purification of Isaiah’s lips in this purging rite that gives him the right to speak and parallels Temple sacrifices for cleansing of sin.[33]

Isaiah’s recognition of the Lord of hosts as his King connects the death of his human king to the very alive and powerfully reigning King of Kings.  Any despair that Isaiah feels upon the death of King Uzziah has been replaced by the recognition of his awesome, glorious and eternal King and Lord that sits upon the throne of God.

Isaiah 6:8 – The call of God starts with a question that demands an answer, “Who shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah’s purged, clean lips answers “Here am I; send me.”  Then God commissions Isaiah as His mouthpiece, “Go, and tell this people.”  The message that follows spoken by Isaiah, God’s messenger, with the words directed for him to say, will affect God’s People, both the Jews and later the Christians, from that point on as God warns of desolation to come upon His people as spiritual obduracy is placed upon them in punishment for their disobedience to Him.

Isaiah 6:9-10 – The Rabbinic interpretation of Isaiah 6:9-10 is preserved with the harsh words written in our Scripture; that it is preserved in this manner argues for “original meaning” exegesis.  Unlike other text which carefully presents harsh ideas with softened words, Isaiah 6:9-10 fully holds its meaning and implication.[34] Usually, Isaiah 6:10 is used by Rabbis to teach that there is a connection between understanding and repentance, and that the former governs the latter.[35]

Frankly speaking, Isaiah is used by God to bring a hardening of Israel’s heart and cause their unbelief. The words he spoke to them reveal a great deal:

“Hear ye indeed, but understand not; And see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the heart of this people fat, And make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.”

Judgment comes upon God’s people because of their disobedience and covenant disloyalty to Him. However, a connection to the worship of idols is noticed when Isaiah 6:9-10 are compared; both speak of the same condition of blindness and deafness, one upon people, and the other upon idols (Psalm 135:15-18):[36]

The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; Eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not; Neither is there any breath in their mouths.  They that make them are like unto them: So is every one that trusteth in them.

When this connection to idols is considered, a strong case can be made that the punishment of Israel for their disobedience has stirred the jealous heart of the LORD God to the place He makes the punishment fit the specific crime that has brought Him such deep distress.

A connection to Christ’s explanation of why He speaks in parables with a direct reference to Isaiah (Matthew 13:11-17) also gives light to the purpose of spiritually deadening the hearts, blinding the eyes and dulling the ears:

Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Christ’s teachings confirm Isaiah 6:9-10 that the closed eyes, dulled ears, and hardened hearts are deliberately forced upon God’s disobedient people in order to prevent them from understanding, choose conversion, and receive healing. He also confirms that Christ’s followers have both eyes that see and ears that can hear, a blessing that is graced by God in his choosing to give faith to those that follow His Son.

But, it is also important to note that the idea of a “remnant” of God’s people remaining with full eyesight and hearing, without hardened hearts, is possible if one considers that Isaiah maintains his vision and hearing after the disobedient receive God’s punishment.[37] Isaiah was set apart from the people with the unclean lips; possibly there were others. This conclusion supports the many Jews that actually receive conversion after receiving the teachings of Christ. Also, this conclusion can be supported because Isaiah 6:9 shows God sends Isaiah to “Go, and tell this people” indicative of those with unclean lips that Isaiah dwells with; possibly an argument could be formed that indicates it is a group, not the entire people of God that receives this message. 

Isaiah 6:11-12 – When the utter desolation described in verses Isaiah 6:11-12 is factored into this interpretation, it becomes apparent that a great deal of God’s people will be made blind and deaf from the eighth century B.C. if the land is to be prepared for the great forsaking.

Isaiah 6:13 – Sinful Israel is again depicted with idolatry metaphors[38] that begin in Isaiah 6:9-10 with the mention of the tenth of the teal and oak trees burning (Isaiah 1:29-31):[39]

For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, And ye shall be confounded for the gardens that ye have chosen. For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, And as a garden that hath no water. And the strong shall be as tow, And the maker of it as a spark, And they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them.

However, it should be noted that some argue that Isaiah 6:13 is a “midrashic” addition which entered into the Hebrew text between the earliest translation of Isaiah and the time of Origen.[40] With this addition, Isaiah 6:13 seems to suggest that after the complete desolation and depopulation of the land, there will be a tenth that survives and subjected to further destruction.[41] This argument can only be developed through the conditional clause inclusion (excluded from the KJV); with it inclusion, the definite destruction is prophesized to come to the tenth of God’s people that remain in the desolate land.[42]

APPLICATION

Isaiah 6 is filled with many applications for Christians.  Isaiah’s dirtied lips show that when dwelling amongst others of sinfulness, the dirty condition is apt to come upon even the most devoted to God.  The process of spiritual awareness and understanding is critical upon the eyes and ears and heart.  These three senses are controlled by God; it is His grace that opens them for His spiritual message to be received.  And it is God that closes these senses down to prevent the disobedient from receiving his teachings and grace. The Lord Jesus Christ is fully aware of this condition that is brought upon the disobedient, and patterns His teachings to His followers to give them new spiritual understanding without revealing the same to those God has brought obduracy upon.  Even today, the condition of obduracy prevents Jewish interpreters from reaching the Christian understanding of prophecy in matters like contained in Isaiah 7:14 about the future virgin birth of Christ, and the prophecy Christ’s suffering in Isaiah 53.[43]

Isaiah 6 is filled with deep spiritual teachings that provide believers with understanding of the holiness of God, His will for His People, and the desolation that disobedience to Him brings. Correct exegesis gives Christians a deep understanding of Scripture, especially in the areas of spiritual knowledge and understanding importance in the redemptive process that brings salvation.

The testimony and teachings of Christ are often unheeded; a definite observation of blinded eyes, dulled hearing, and hardened hearts can sometimes be seen of those that reject the message of Christ.  Frankly, it seems a good waste of time and effort to witness to those under such a condition.  If God has not opened the eyes to see, the ears to hear, and the heart to understand, then He has not graced them with faith.  Without faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, salvation cannot be received.  Redemption will never come to a person with such a spiritual desolation created by the condition of obduracy that is upon a person; if God has placed that spiritual deadening then no amount of witnessing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will remove it.

CONCLUSION

In final analysis, Isaiah 6 gives Christians today both an understanding of the rejection of Christ by most Jews who remain blinded and deaf to God’s Truth.  But, it also guides our own witnessing efforts, to recognize that though the Lord Jesus Christ came to offer salvation to mankind, it is fully dependent upon whether that Good News can be received.  Isaiah 6 shows us that God is ultimately in control of that process.  It is His grace, and His grace alone, that determines the giving of faith and understanding to a believer.  With that faith valve turned on, eyes can see, ears can hear, and hearts can understand.  But, those of disobedience, those that choose idols over God, and those that dwell among the immoral and participate in their activities will not have the ability to hear and receive Christ’s redemption; they will only be eligible to receive His judgment on that terrible and desolate day to come.

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Beale, Gregory K. “Isaiah 6:9-13 : A Retributive Taunt against Idolatry.” Vetus testamentum 41, no. 3 (1991): 257-278.

Beuken, W. A. M. “The Manifestation of Yahweh and the Commission of Isaiah: Isaiah 6 Read against the Background of Isaiah 1.” Calvin Theological Journal 39, no. 1 (2004): 72-87.

Box, G. H. and S. R. Driver. The Book of Isaiah: Translated from a Text Revised in Accordance with the Results of Recent Criticism. New York: The Macmillan Co. , 1909.

Bright, John. A History of Israel. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1972.

Cate, Robert L. “We Need to Be Saved (Isaiah 1:1-20, 5:1-12, 6:1-13).” Review & Expositor 88, no. 2 (1991): 137-151.

Day, John. “Echoes of Baal’s Seven Thunders and Lightnings in Psalm 29 and Habakkuk 3:9 and the Identity of the Seraphim in Isaiah 6.” Vetus testamentum 29, no. 2 (1979): 143-151.

Easley, Kendell H. Revelation, Holman New Testament Commentary. Vol. 12. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998.

Evans, Craig A. “Isaiah 6:9-10 in Rabbinic and Patristic Writings.” Vigiliae christianae 36, no. 3 (1982): 275-281.

________. “Isa 6:9-13 in the Context of Isaiah’s Theology.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 29, no. 2 (1986): 139-146.

Gowan, Donald E. “Isaiah 6:1-8.” Interpretation 45, no. 2 (1991): 172-176.

House, Paul R. “Isaiah’s Call and Its Context in Isaiah 1-6.” Criswell Theological Review 6,  (1993): 207-222.

Iwry, Samuel. “Massēbāh and Bāmāh in 1q Isaiaha 6:13.” Journal of Biblical Literature 76, no. 3 (1957): 225-232.

 Liebreich, Leon J. “The Position of Chapter Six in the Book of Isaiah.” Hebrew Union College Annual 25,  (1954): 37-40.

Napier, B. D. Song of the Vineyard: A Guide through the Old Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1982.

Oswalt, John. The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1-39. NICOT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986.

Strong, James. The New Strong’s Expanded Exaustive Concordance of the Bible. Red-letter ed. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001.

Swanson, James. Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament). Vol. 1997. electronic ed. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.

Watts, John D. W. Isaiah 1-33, Revised Edition, Word Biblical Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005.


[1] B. D. Napier, Song of the Vineyard: A Guide through the Old Testament (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1982), 250.

[2] Leon J. Liebreich, “The Position of Chapter Six in the Book of Isaiah,” Hebrew Union College Annual 25, (1954): 39.

[3] W. A. M. Beuken, “The Manifestation of Yahweh and the Commission of Isaiah: Isaiah 6 Read against the Background of Isaiah 1,” Calvin Theological Journal 39, no. 1 (2004): 73.

[4] The text never claims Isaiah as author; but, early readers assigned authorship to him.  Later, scholars questioned authorship because the historical data recorded in chapters 40-66 occurred after Isaiah’s death; but, they continue to attribute the first 39 chapters to Prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz. (John D. W. Watts, Isaiah 1-33, Revised Edition, Word Biblical Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2005), xliii.)

[5] Ibid., xlii.

[6] Paul R. House, “Isaiah’s Call and Its Context in Isaiah 1-6,” Criswell Theological Review 6, (1993): 209.

[7] John Bright, A History of Israel, 2nd ed. (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1972), 254.

[8] House: 216.

[9] Donald E. Gowan, “Isaiah 6:1-8,” Interpretation 45, no. 2 (1991): 173.

[10] G. H. and S. R. Driver Box, The Book of Isaiah: Translated from a Text Revised in Accordance with the Results of Recent Criticism (New York: The Macmillan Co. , 1909), 44.

[11] Watts, 103.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Isaiah 1:1 shows Isaiah receiving the first vision to pronounce God’s Words to Judah and Jerusalem.

[14] House: 213.

[15] Ibid., 214.

[16] Ibid.

[17] John Oswalt, The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1-39 (NICOT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986), 177.

[18] Robert L. Cate, “We Need to Be Saved (Isaiah 1:1-20, 5:1-12, 6:1-13),” Review & Expositor 88, no. 2 (1991): 146.

[19] Isaiah’s sermons against the evil-doers compare unified to prophesy spoken by Amos (1:4, 5, 23; cf. Amos 2:6; 5:10, 11).

[20] House: 210.

[21] Ibid.

[22] Beuken: 74.

[23] James Strong, The New Strong’s Expanded Exaustive Concordance of the Bible, Red-letter ed. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001), H7311.

[24] Ibid., H5375.

[25] John Day, “Echoes of Baal’s Seven Thunders and Lightnings in Psalm 29 and Habakkuk 3:9 and the Identity of the Seraphim in Isaiah 6,” Vetus testamentum 29, no. 2 (1979): 149.

[26] Ibid., 150.

[27] Ibid., 143.

[28] Kendell H. Easley, Revelation, Holman New Testament Commentary, vol. 12 (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998), 149-150.

[29] James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament), electronic ed., vol. 1997 (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), H5771.

[30] Ibid., H2403.

[31] Ibid., H7531.

[32] The Hebrew word for glowing coal is used only once in Scriptures; thus, the general action of purging can be noted; but, there is no reliable typology that should be construed since a pattern cannot be established.

[33] Watts, 108.

[34] Craig A. Evans, “Isaiah 6:9-10 in Rabbinic and Patristic Writings,” Vigiliae christianae 36, no. 3 (1982): 275.

[35] Ibid., 276.

[36] Gregory K. Beale, “Isaiah 6:9-13 : A Retributive Taunt against Idolatry,” Vetus testamentum 41, no. 3 (1991): 258.

[37] Craig A. Evans, “Isa 6:9-13 in the Context of Isaiah’s Theology,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 29, no. 2 (1986): 141.

[38] Trees in Scripture are often typological representations of different spiritual lives assumed by humans.  For the purposes and length requirements of this paper, discussion of this connection of oak trees to Israel, and the general idea that their choice of idols will fade their fervor for the LORD God and dry up His waters of grace that have in the past to quench their thirst, will suffice.

[39] Beale: 259.

[40] Samuel Iwry, “Massēbāh and Bāmāh in 1q Isaiaha 6:13,” Journal of Biblical Literature 76, no. 3 (1957): 226.

[41] Ibid.

[42] Ibid., 225.

[43] Watts, l.

#1 – BI100_1 – The Foundation of Jesus Christ

Course Description

This course covers the journey from Salvation to Baptism to Death to Resurrection to the New Heaven and New Earth. It is a simple walk from one spiritual principle to another, but it is a complex trek that covers four important theological concepts of Soteriology (Salvation), (Bibliology (Bible), Christology (Christ), Eschatology (Last Things).

Underlying Principles

When this course is completed successfully, the student will have a strong and deep understanding of the concepts of the principles of Salvation, Baptism, Death, Resurrection, New Heaven, and New Earth. Unlike most Seminary courses, these principles are taught together to make the student fully aware of how it all ties together. Once these principles are deeply understood, more specific teachings will come from this journey later in their future studies.

  1. Prerequisites
    1. This is the first class of Becker Professional Theology Academy.
    1. Acceptance to the Academy is the only prerequisite.
  1. Measurable Learning Outcomes Upon Successful Completion
    1. Identify the principles of Salvation, Baptism, Death, Resurrection, New Heaven, and New Earth
    1. Apply these principles to their precise interpretation of biblical text
    1. Analyze possible false teachings that they are aware
    1. Implement general program ideas for Altar Calls, Street Salvation, Family Worship, Water Baptism, Holy Spirit Baptism, and Burial
    1. Evaluate current programs in their communities to help structure God’s Truths into their religious practices.
  1. Course Requirements and Assignments
    1. Worksheets – There will be five worksheets to be completed throughout the course. The student is required to complete each worksheet online for grading.
    1. Discussion Board Forums – There will be five discussion boards throughout the course.  The first one is ungraded and is a meet-and-greet to acquaint each other with their classmates.  The other 4 will be graded.  The best scores will come to those students that interact well with the subject matter and each other’s ideas, while maintaining a friendly discussion of differences.
  1. Course Grading and Policies
    1. Points
      1. Worksheets (8 at 100 pts each)                                            800
      1. Discussion Board Forums (8 at 25 pts each)                       200

TOTAL        1000

  • Scale

A=900-1000 B=800-899 C=700-799 D=600-699 F=599 and below

  • Late Assignment Policy
    • This is an 8-week module course.
    • Students will be given only 8 weeks to complete their course in their timing. 
    • The Final Test must be taken before the course closes.
  • Style Guidelines

All assignments for this course may use the parenthetical citation style with the latest edition of the Turbian style manual (A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations) as the desired style.

  • Extra Credit – There will be no extra credit.


Foundation of Jesus Christ

Lecture BI100-1

By Kathy L. McFarland

                                                    September 21, 2022

Lesson 1

What is the foundation of Jesus Christ?

A foundation is prepared base on which structure rests. It is the beginning or first principle of a system of truth. A person who comes to the Lord Jesus Christ, and hears and does what he says, builds a foundation on a rock. When trouble comes, that person’s life cannot be shaken. The person who lays his foundation on the rock, must first dig deeply into the things of God which are normally hidden and above man’s scrutiny. This study lays a solid foundation of Jesus Christ in a Christian, using the six principles of the doctrine of Christ as written in Hebrews 6:1-3 in the Word of God.

A foundation is a natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests.

It is the beginning or first principle of a system of truth.

Luke 6:46-49

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which 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. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

1. A person who comes to Lord Jesus, and hears and does what he says, builds a foundation on a rock. When trouble comes, that person’s life cannot be shaken.

2. That person who lays his foundation on the rock must first dig deeply into the things of God which is normally hidden and above man’s scrutiny.

3. A person who comes to Lord Jesus, and hears what he says, but does not do it, builds a foundation upon the earth. When trouble comes, that person’s life is greatly ruined.

4. The typology for “house” is the dwelling place of the soul.

5. The typology for “earth” is the affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life.

6. The typology for “rock” is a person’s spiritual life in Christ. (This typology speaks of the Rock as spoken of in 1 Cor 10:4)

7. Therefore, if a person looks for the deep things of God, and maintains a spiritual life in Christ, then his life will not be disturbed when trouble comes. If a person maintains a life concerned with the affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life, then that person’s life will be ruined when trouble comes.

8. A person who digs deep into the things of God, hears, and does what Jesus says is saved. A person who hears but does not do what Jesus says is destroyed.

Romans 13:19-21

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

9. Paul’s ministry was as a master builder of foundations. He was responsible for building foundations of those who had never heard of Christ and teaching them so they could perceive and understand the signs, wonders, and power of the Spirit of God through the gospel of Christ. He was careful not to confuse new converts by building on the foundation of another teacher and taught only those whose foundation could be laid completely by him.

Becker Bible Studies presents “The Foundation of Jesus Christ” in the same spirit that Paul did in his ministry. We have no desire to finish a foundation that is half built by another teacher. We offer Foundation of Jesus Christ with hopes that all students participating in this study start a solid foundation with the six principles of the doctrine of Christ. We recognize that many students will come with some knowledge concerning foundation principles, however, it is important for all students to have the solid foundation that is presented in this study. Without the solid foundation of the principles of the doctrine of Christ, a student’s growth cannot be perfected.

Hebrews 6:1-3

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

10. The doctrine of Christ is used for the laying of foundation. This doctrine of Christ contains six principles that must be taught to all Christians.

These six principles of the Doctrine of Christ for foundation building are:

1. Sins (Dead Works)

2. Faith

3. Water Baptism

4. Holy Spirit Baptism (Laying on of hands)

5. Resurrection

6. Judgment

11. Once the foundation of the doctrine of Christ is laid, a student should go on to learning new things of the LORD God according to His Grace and Will. No student can grow to perfection, by repeatedly learning the six principles of the doctrine of Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

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. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

12. A foundation is laid so that it can be built upon.

13. A foundation cannot be laid unless it is on the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

14. A house is built upon a foundation only by works.

15. Works are acts performed in obedience to the law of God. They include righteous deeds, growth, creation and building in spiritual life.

16. A foundation is laid so a Christian may do works that glorify the LORD God. If a Christian’s works survive the revealing by fire, they will receive a reward from the LORD God. If a Christian’s works are burned by fire, they will suffer loss. However, a Christian’s salvation is NEVER in jeopardy, and the faithful will be saved. (We will be studying this in the next chapter “Sin”).

17. Because a “house” is the “dwelling place of the soul”, then a person’s works, from the doctrine of Christ, is the place where the soul dwells. In other words, You are rewarded or suffer loss for what you do! WORKS!

18. Because the “foundation” is made by the doctrine of Christ, then a person’s faith, is the place where the works begin. In other words, You are saved for what you believe! FAITH!

19. The six foundation principles of the Doctrine of Christ are vital for both a person’s faith and works. Faith and works, without the foundation of Christ, will not survive.

Luke 14:25-33

And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

20. A person must consider the cost of being a disciple (student) to Jesus, before the laying of the foundation. If a student is not willing to give up everything he has, bear his cross, and follow Jesus, he cannot be a disciple of Christ. If a person does not consider the cost before beginning, and stops the foundation building before it is finished, he becomes vulnerable to deceit or ridicule and being led into false belief.

21. The typology for “cross” is exposure to death, i.e., self-denial. Jesus only wants a foundation building student if that person is willing to deny himself and forsake (separate from) everything he holds dear.

We have seen so many people over the years who have started a foundation building with Christ and stopped suddenly when they realized that Jesus required them to follow Him completely and give up their will and embrace the LORD God’s Will. We have seen these same people, over and over and over, being led into false beliefs because their unfinished foundation was taken advantage of by the enemy darkness. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!!! Know and accept the cost of following Jesus before you commit to the building of your foundation. When you are willing to love the LORD God with your complete heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37) and follow Jesus and forsake all others by hearing and doing what He says, then and only then, allow the foundation of Jesus Christ to be laid in your life.

Foundation BI100-1 Test

1. What is a “foundation”? (Def)

A. A base on which some structure rests.

B. The first principles of a system of truth.

C. A natural or prepared ground for building upon.

D. All the above

2. How does a person build a spiritual foundation on a rock? Luke 6:46-49 (1) (More than one answer)

A. Attend worship services regularly

B. Come to the Lord Jesus

C. Hear the Lord Jesus

D. Do as the Lord Jesus says

E. Volunteer your time and effort to help the suffering

F. Tithe and participate fully in the expansion of the Church

G. Acquire new responsibilities in Church management

H. Teach Sunday School

I. Share your spiritual testimony with others

3. Who does the rock represent in the parable “The House Built on a Rock” in Luke 6:46-49? Luke 6:46-49 (1)

A. LORD GOD

B. Jesus Christ

C. Holy Spirit

D. Christian

E. Church

4. What happens when a person builds a solid foundation on a rock, and then trouble comes? Luke 6:46-49 (1)

A. That person’s life is shaken but not destroyed.

B. That person’s life cannot be shaken.

C. That person’s life is destroyed.

D. That person cannot have a life any longer.

5. What must a person dig deeply into before laying the foundation on the rock? Luke 6:46-49 (2)

A. The spiritual needs and desires contained within a person’s soul.

B. The doctrine and practices of a church most compatible with a person’s belief.

C. The things of God which are normally hidden and above man’s scrutiny.

D. All the above.

6. How does a person accomplish this deep digging before foundation laying? Luke 6:46-49 (2)

A. Examine your inner self thoroughly, and identify areas that need improvement, encouragement, change or reward.

B. Familiarize yourself with church practices and belief, then visit several churches to find the one that makes you feel the most comfortable.

C. Prayerfully read and study the Word (Holy Bible) and do what it says.

D. All the above.

7. How does a person mistakenly build a foundation “upon” the earth, rather than “digging deeply” into the earth? Luke 6:46-49 (3)

A. When a person refuses to come to the Lord Jesus (Word), but rather tries to build the foundation with his own effort.

B. When a person comes to the Lord Jesus (Word) but is unable to hear and understand what His Word says.

C. When a person comes to the Lord Jesus (Word), hears, and understands what His Word says, but refuses to do His Word.

D. When a person is not spiritually ready to walk the required path.

E. When a person cannot find a church that fits their needs.

8. What happens when a person builds a foundation upon the earth, and then trouble comes? Luke 6:46-49 (3)

A. The person’s life is greatly ruined.

B. The person’s life is shaken

C. The person’s life is changed through greater understanding.

D. The person’s life is renewed through faith.

9. Match the word with the typology listed. Luke 6:46-49 (5, 6, 7)

A. house                           a. affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life

B. earth                            b. a base foundation of a person’s spiritual life in Christ

C. rock                             c. dwelling place of the soul

10. How does a person ensure that his life will not be disturbed when trouble comes? Luke 6:46-49 (7) (More than one answer)

A. Looking for the deep things of God.

B. Maintaining a spiritual life in Christ.

C. Maintaining a life concerned with the affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life.

D. Building a spiritual life on the top of natural life affairs, interests, and pursuits.

11. What results if a person maintains a life concerned with the affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life? Luke 6:46-49 (7)

A. His life becomes a powerful witness and testimony for the LORD GOD.

B. His life will be ruined when trouble comes.

C. His spiritual works will help the poor, sick, hungry, destitute, and feeble of the world.

D. His maintenance of natural life will allow God to bless him exceedingly as promised.

12. What specifically results when a person digs deeply into the things of God, and hears and does what Jesus says? Luke 6:46-49 (8)

A. The person’s life is forgiven.

B. The person’s life is sanctified.

C. The person’s life is consecrated.

D. The person’s life is saved.

13. What specifically results when a person hears but does not do what Jesus says? Luke 6:46-49 (8)

A. The person’s life is cursed.

B. The person’s life is destroyed.

C. The person’s life is punished.

D. The person’s life is condemned to hell.

14. What was the focus of Paul’s ministry? Romans 15:19-21 (9)

A. He was responsible for building on the foundation of students who had already learned of Christ.

B. He was responsible for building foundations of those who had never heard of Christ.

C. He shared responsibility for building the foundations of new converts with his brothers in Christ.

D. He was responsible for developing the most suitable foundation for each person, taking into consideration their spiritual growth at the time.

15. What did Paul teach the converts? Romans 15:19-21 (9)

A. The signs of the Spirit of God.

B. The wonders of the Spirit of God.

C. The power of the Spirit of God.

D. The gospel of Christ.

E. All the above

16. What doctrine is used for the laying of a solid spiritual foundation? Hebrews 6:1-3 (10)

A. The doctrine of Consecration

B. The doctrine of Holy Assembly

C. The doctrine of Christ

D. The doctrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

E. The doctrine of Inheritance and Reward

F. The doctrine of Sabbath Keeping

G. The doctrine of Separation

H. The doctrine of Saints

I. The doctrine of Angels

J. The doctrine of the Church

K. The doctrine of Tradition

L. The doctrine of Worship

M. The doctrine of Law

17. What are the six principles contained within this doctrine for the laying of a solid spiritual foundation? Hebrews 6:1-3 (10)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

18. What should happen next for a student after the six principles of this doctrine have been learned and a solid foundation laid? Hebrews 6:1-3 (11)

A. The student should review the six principles taught during foundation building often, and continually focus on each principle through study.

B. The student should return to the natural life fully refreshed and restored to a happier spiritual state.

C. The student should go on to learning new things of the LORD GOD according to His Grace and Will.

D. The student should grow to perfection by practicing the six principles over and over and over.

19. Why is a foundation laid? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (12)

A. So that it can be built upon.

B. So it can be sat on with confidence of salvation.

C. So it can be observed by others as holy.

D. So it can be used to further a person’s natural potential.

20. How is the house (dwelling place of the soul) built upon a foundation. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (14)

A. Faith

B. Works

C. Worship

D. Prayer

21. What are “works”? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (15)

A. Acts performed in obedience to the law of God.

B. Acts of contrition and sacrifice

C. Acts of contemplation and separation

D. Acts of tithing and service

22. What types of acts are included as works? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (15)

A. Righteous deeds.

B. Spiritual growth.

C. Creation.

D. All the above.

23. What is the end purpose for the laying of a foundation in Christ? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (16)

A. So a Christian can do works that glorify the LORD God.

B. So a Christian can go to heaven.

C. So a Christian can receive glory.

D. So a Christian can better the world.

24. How are a Christian’s works judged by the LORD God? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (16) (More than one answer)

A. If the works survive the revealing by fire, the Christian will receive a reward from the LORD GOD.

B. If the works are burned by the revealing by fire, the Christian will suffer loss.

C. The results of the works are not important. If a Christian tries to do good works, the LORD GOD rewards the effort.

D. If a Christian’s works are burned by the revealing by fire, his salvation is in jeopardy.

E. Even if a Faithful Christian’s works are burned by the revealing by fire, his salvation is not in jeopardy.

25. What criteria does the LORD God use to reward a person or cause a person to suffer loss? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (17)

A. Works

B. Faith

C. Holiness

D. Favor

26. “Work” is the thing that a person ___________? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (17)

A. Does

B. Believes

C. Loves

D. Wants

27. What criteria does the LORD God use to save a person? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (18)

A. Works

B. Faith

C. Holiness

D. Favor

28. “Faith” is the thing that a person ____________? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (18)

A. Does

B. Believes

C. Loves

D. Wants

29. What happens to faith and works, without the foundation of Christ? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (19)

A. Faith and works will not survive.

B. Faith and works will not be rewarded.

C. Faith and works will suffer loss.

D. Faith and works will endure.

30. What is another name for “disciple”? Luke 14:25-33 (20)

A. Preacher

B. Holy man

C. Student

D. Teacher

31. What is vital for a person to consider before laying the foundation and becoming a disciple of Christ? Luke 14:25-33 (20)

A. A person should consider his past sins and his worth of becoming a disciple.

B. A person should consider his affiliation with his church, and the doctrine he has learned from his youth.

C. A person should consider the cost of giving up everything he has, bearing his cross and following Jesus.

D. A person should never have to consider coming to Jesus.

32. What results if a person does not properly consider, and stops the foundation building before it is finished? Luke 14:25-33 (20)

A. The person becomes vulnerable to deceit.

B. The person becomes vulnerable to ridicule.

C. The person becomes vulnerable to being led into false belief.

D. All the above.

33. What is the typology for “cross”? Luke 14:25-33 (20)

A. Exposure to death

B. Self-denial

C. Worship

D. Glory

E. Both A & B

F. Both C & D

34. What type of foundation building student does Jesus want? Luke 14:25-33 (20) (More than one answer)

A. A person that is willing to deny himself

B. A person that is willing to separate from everything he holds dear.

C. A person that is sin free and holy.

D. A person that has received instruction and acceptance from a true doctrine church.

Discussion Board #1 – Building Your House Strong!

Building your House Strong!

by Kathy L. McFarland – Monday, 24 October 2022, 11:57 AM

Number of replies: 0

Luke 6:46–49 

46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which 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. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Young Christians and mature Christians share the same destinies; one day trouble will come, it always does.  The Foundation of Christ helps you build your house on a firm, deep, solid foundation to prevent it from being ruined.  My job as your Bible Teacher is to help you build that foundation so solid, that when trouble does come, your house can remain standing.  Your Pastor’s job is to keep your focus and your praise on the LORD God, Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirt, so your walk with them can be sure and steady. Together we hope to make you some of the strongest Christians to confront these coming End Times.

As a young Christian, please share with each other how a tumultuous episode in your life could have been made much better had your house been built on the foundation of Christ.

As a mature Christian, please share with each other how your house built upon the deep foundation of Christ has survived a tumultuous episode in your life.   

After you have written your discussion board in a separate discussion topic, go back and read your fellow students. Consider their discussions and reply with the love of Christ on your heart.

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)