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.

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.

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.