Christ Our Foundation

By the grace given to him, Paul says he laid a foundation like a skilled builder and that others are now building upon it, so each must take care. No other foundation can be laid, because the only foundation already given is Jesus Christ.

B¹⁰y the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. ¹¹For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Paul lists materials ranging from durable to fragile and says that the Day will disclose each builder's work by fire, proving its quality. If the work remains, the builder receives reward; if it burns, the builder suffers loss, though he himself is saved, but as one passing through flames.

¹²If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, ¹³his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames.