Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Isaiah 28:16
A day is coming when every man's work shall be tried. The foundation of the Lord standeth sure. But every other foundation shall be destroyed. He who is built on Christ and derives all his hopes of life and salvation from him, is safe in time and to all eternity. Before men begin to build they draw a plan; and every wise builder looks carefully to the foundation; for on this depends the safety of the superstructure.
The plan of salvation was drawn in the eternal counsel. It is founded in the love of the Father; effected by the obedience and sufferings of his Son. Hence what was contrived in infinite wisdom above, is laid as a sure foundation in the church below, by the love and power of the Spirit, the Comforter. It is his peculiar office to lay this foundation in Zion, and to manifest and make known to the prophets and apostles, teachers and saints, that Jesus is the only foundation; as a stone for strength; a tried stone, approved of by the Father, and by his children in all ages; a precious comer-stone; the ornament and beauty, as well as strength and security, of the whole church. Precious is Christ in all his offices to them that believe: a sure foundation; sure to all the seed; certain to all the purposes of their salvation. And, as the Lord the Spirit lays this foundation in the church in the truth of doctrine, so also in the faith and experience of all redeemed souls.
What the word speaks of Jesus, that we prove and find him to be. This is our mercy. "He that believeth shall not make haste." He shall possess such serenity and composure of mind, that he shall not be frightened, in times of distress and calamity, to quit his confidence; not be ashamed of his hope in the Lord. Being well satisfied that Jesus reigns, that the government of his church is upon his shoulders, and the residue of the Spirit with him; he will, by faith, patiently wait and quietly hope for the fulfilment of every promise. Sin and Satan shall not overcome him. In the awful hour of death he shall not be confounded, because his heart standeth fast, believing in the Lord. And when Jesus his Friend appears, he shall stand forth with boldness; and shall find an abundant entrance into the presence of God and the Lamb, to live, and love, and reign in glory for ever and ever. "Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner-stone." Eph. 2:20.
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