1 BEHOLD the sure foundation-stone
Which God in Zion lays,
To build our heavenly hopes upon,
And his eternal praise.
2 Chosen of God, to sinners dear,
We now adore thy name;
We trust our whole salvation here,
Nor can we suffer shame.
3 The foolish builders, scribe and priest,
Reject it with disdain;
Yet on this rock the church shall rest,
And envy rage in vain.
4 What though the gates of hell withstood,
Yet must this building rise:
'Tis thine own work, almighty God,
And wondrous in our eyes.
Behold The Sure Foundation-stone
Behold The Sure Foundation-stone Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Charles Wesley's enduring hymn, "Behold The Sure Foundation-stone," stands as a powerful declaration centered on the biblical truth of Jesus Christ as the essential cornerstone. Penned by one of the most prolific hymn writers in Christian history, this piece has served for generations as a foundational statement of faith, anchoring believers in the person and work of Christ. Its structure and language reflect Wesley's deep theological insight and his ability to translate profound scripture into accessible and singable poetry.
Drawing deeply from passages such as Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22, Acts 4:11, and 1 Peter 2:6-8, the hymn presents Christ as the singular stone God has laid in Zion—the spiritual center—upon which all heavenly hopes and eternal praise are built. It emphasizes His divine selection as the "Chosen of God" and His preciousness to those who recognize their need for salvation, referring to Him as "to sinners dear." The core message conveyed is one of absolute trust and security: those who choose to build their entire salvation upon this divine foundation will never face shame or disappointment; their trust is placed securely.
The hymn powerfully contrasts this steadfast faith with the rejection faced by the cornerstone. It highlights the actions of "foolish builders, scribe and priest," representing those who, despite being religious authorities, dismissed Christ, fulfilling the prophecy and the narrative found in the New Testament. Yet, despite this disdain and opposition, the hymn asserts with unwavering confidence that the church, the assembly of believers, "shall rest" immovably on this unshakeable rock. This foundation makes any form of opposition, including the "rage" of envy, ultimately futile against God's plan.
Building on the theme of resilience and divine purpose, the hymn declares the certain outcome of the spiritual structure being built. Even when facing the most formidable opposition, symbolized by "the gates of hell" as mentioned in Matthew 16:18, the spiritual building—representing God's redemptive work and the formation of His church—"must rise." The hymn unequivocally attributes the success and completion of this work not to human effort or strength, but solely to the power of "almighty God." This divine authorship is what makes the ongoing construction and ultimate triumph inherently "wondrous in our eyes."
Adding a modern dimension to its availability, a song video featuring "Behold The Sure Foundation-stone" was released on June 4, 2022. This contemporary presentation allows a wider audience to engage with Wesley's profound lyrics and the enduring message they convey through visual and auditory means, bringing this classic hymn to life for a new generation.
Ultimately, "Behold The Sure Foundation-stone" serves as a powerful hymn of assurance and triumph. It calls believers to fix their gaze upon Christ as the divinely appointed, utterly reliable basis for their faith, hope, and eternal security. Its message remains profoundly relevant, celebrating the unshakeable foundation found in Christ and the unstoppable nature of God's redemptive plan, providing a firm anchor in any circumstance and inspiring continuous, heartfelt praise for the Builder and the Stone.
