What is an Apostolic foundation or Traditions? Do we recognize apostles and prophets in the present time? Who is teaching what Jesus taught when He was on the face of the earth?
In order to understand the apostolic foundations, we need get back to the Hebrew roots and cultures of how Jesus taught 2,000 years ago. The Bible is full of symbolism and symbolic language. We need to get back to the truth, so God can fulfill what He has for us in our lives to His holiness and His perfection.
1Co 14:11 “Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.”
Terms:
Apostle is also high priest in the Old Testament. Apostle means “sent forth” and also a minister of mysteries and secrets.
Foundation themelios G2310: beginnings, first principles, of institution or system of truth.
Iniquity adikiaG93: Twisted teachings, historical literal understanding of the word, moral wrongfulness, unrighteousness.
Seal sphragis G4973: the inscription or impression made by a seal of the Name of God and Christ stamped upon their foreheads, that by which anything is confirmed, proved, authenticated, as by a seal (a token or proof).
From Amplified Bible:
Mat 16:17 Then Jesus answered him, Blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are you, Simon Bar-Jonah. For flesh and blood [men] have not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. Mat 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, Petros–a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, Petra–a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it].
In Matthew 16:17-18, Jesus told Peter (rock) He wanted to build the church on the foundation of the revelation that he had. And who did Peter become after Jesus was resurrected from his crucifixion? Peter became an Apostle in the New Testament.
Eph 2:20 You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone.
As you can see in the Ephesians 2:19, the foundation of the gospel is built through apostles and prophets. The word Christ in Hebrew is “H1325 mashiach,” means: anointed (oil, secret teaching), Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. And it is not Jesus last name, but in Hebrew, every name has a character and function attached to it.
1Ti_6:19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
The only way to salvation or eternal life is through a good foundation that apostles and prophets taught according to 1Timothy 6:19. Jesus knows those who are sealed, and the sealing takes place by their understanding of the mysteries of the kingdom. They are also without guile, false teaching, and did not holding on to the Hyper Grace message.
1Co 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
1Co 3:12 But if anyone builds upon the Foundation, whether it be with gold, silver, precious stones the name of Christ depart from iniquity.“
Again, Paul is stating here is that we cannot build on any other foundation but what Jesus has taught 2,000 years ago. Precious metal and stones are not just physical things, but Paul is trying to tell us a mystery.
Gold: Wisdom of God
Silver: Redemption of God
Precious Stones: Wisdoms of God, ephod of the high priest from the Old Testament
Paul was telling us that if we build the foundation on the wisdom (secrets) and redemption of God, then we will not be deceived by false teaching.
So, we have to ask ourselves, have we built the foundation of Christ in the wisdom of God? How far has the church have fallen? Do we have the eye to see what is happening in the world today?
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you” quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
We need to get back to the foundation that Jesus, Apostles, and prophets have laid out 2,000 years ago. Jesus spoke only symbolisms and parables. Jesus stated, “Get back to which once knew,” and the only way back to the garden is through an apostle teaching the secrets of the kingdom.
Eph 3:2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
Eph 3:3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
Eph 3:4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
Eph 3:5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Blessings,
Timothy
