The Tried Foundation
W. M. Bunting. Isaiah 28:16-17 Therefore thus said the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone… I. JESUS CHRIST IS THE CORNERSTONE. 1. He is the foundation of Christianity as a theological and religious system. (1) Of all Christian doctrine. (2) Of all the authentic institutions of Christianity. He is the foundation of all the public worship of Almighty God. (3) So He is the pillar and ground of the morality of the Christian system. 2. He is the foundation of personal confidence and salvation. 3. He is the "cornerstone" of the general Church — of His people in their associated character. (1) As the "cornerstone" of His Church He sustains to it a natural relation. (2) He unites the various parts of the building. (3) He supports the system. "On this rock will I build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (4) He is the ornament and glory of the Church, fitly, neatly, gracefully, beautifully "framed together in Him, it groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord," and shall finally be presented "a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing." II. JESUS CHRIST IS "A TRIED STONE." (W. M. Bunting.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore 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. WEB: Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. He who believes shall not act hastily.