The chief Cornerstone Thou art, Lord

The chief Cornerstone Thou art

Lord

Jewish builders did despise;

God by resurrection placed Thee

Thou art precious in His eyes.

Through Thee we receive salvation

And

together built by Thee

Jews and Gentiles are Thy dwelling

One new man

in harmony.

Thou too art the smitten Rock

Lord

That man’s thirst by Thee be filled

That frail man may stand upon Thee

But e’en more

God’s house to build.

The Foundation Stone in Zion

Tested and secure

Thou art;

And the Rock

the Church supporting

Her foundation to impart.

On Thyself the Church is builded

And though many storms assail

Still it stands erect

for ’gainst it

Gates of hell cannot prevail.

Thine authority possessing

It doth bind and loose in Thee

Bringing men into Thy kingdom

Satan’s captives setting free.

Living Stone of life art Thou

Lord

Precious

chosen thus to be;

Living stones Thou too hast made us

One in character with Thee.

Built together as a temple

That our God may dwell therein

Thus we are a holy priesthood

Offering sacrifice to Him.

Lord

Thou art the Son of David

That God’s temple Thou may build;

King and Priest Thou art together

That Thy calling be fulfilled.

As the King

for God Thou rulest

Making men submit to Him;

As the Priest before God’s presence

Bringing men to enter in.

Thine authority doth issue

From the throne to render peace;

Fellowship is in the river

To supply and give increase.

When these

balanced

go together

Then God’s purpose is fulfilled;

King and Priest in Thee combining

Thou God’s dwelling place dost build.

Thou art God

yet flesh becamest

God with man in Thee doth dwell;

Thou

the Temple for His glory

God in Thee Himself doth tell.

Thus the Church too is the mingling

Into one of God and man;

So it is with every member

For the building of God’s plan.

Thou

the everlasting Dwelling

In all ages art our home;

We in Thee enjoy protection

Living in Thyself alone.

Thou our Sanctuary art

Lord

We and God abide in Thee;

Thou

God’s presence art within us

Where we worship ceaselessly.

Cornerstone

Foundation

Topstone

Rock

and Church

and Living Stone

Dwelling-place

and Sanctuary

Builder too art Thou

we own.

Praise we give for what Thou art

Lord

As Thy wondrousness we see!

Grant that we may be built up

Lord

As the living stones in Thee.