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The Church’s One Foundation
A Sermon based on the song
written by Samuel J. Stone
Introduction:
“The Church’s One Foundation” is a majestic hymn of unity, truth, and
eternal hope. Written by Samuel J. Stone during a time of doctrinal
division, the hymn affirms that Christ—not man—is the true cornerstone
of the church. It offers a sweeping picture of the church’s divine
origin, earthly mission, present trials, and future glory.
Each stanza boldly declares the
biblical identity of the church: not a man-made institution or a
denominational body, but the spiritual body of Christ, built upon His
word and sanctified by His blood. Ephesians 2:20–22 teaches that we are
“built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
Himself being the chief cornerstone.” The hymn reflects this unshakable
truth.
This hymn stands in direct contrast
to the fractured landscape of religious division. It reminds us that
there is “one body” (Ephesians 4:4) and one head—Christ (Colossians
1:18). The church is “elect,” chosen by God, not formed by councils or
conventions. Through suffering and conflict, it remains victorious, not
by human might but by divine truth.
“The Church’s One Foundation” has
long been treasured in churches of Christ for its scriptural accuracy
and reverent tone. It encourages us to look beyond the temporary
struggles of today and see the triumphant gathering of saints in
eternity. May this hymn renew our dedication to Christ and His
church—the one He purchased with His blood (Acts 20:28).
Let us now consider the message of
each stanza in the light of scripture.
Stanza 1: “The church’s one
foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is His new creation by water and the word:
From heav’n He came and sought her to be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.”
The church rests not on tradition or human authority, but solely on
Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 says, “For no other foundation can
anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” The church
was born through the gospel and baptism—“by water and the word” (John
3:5; Ephesians 5:26). Christ purchased the church with His blood (Acts
20:28), and she is His bride (Ephesians 5:25–27). The church is not
optional—it is essential, and Jesus gave His life for her.
Stanza 2: “Elect from every
nation, yet one o’er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation one Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.”
The church transcends race, culture, and geography. Though her members
are from “every nation,” they are united by one Lord, one faith, and one
baptism (Ephesians 4:4–6). Her “charter” is the gospel. She partakes of
“one holy food”—the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:17). Her hope is
eternal life, and she is filled with the grace of God through Christ
(Titus 2:11–13). This is the unity for which Jesus prayed (John
17:20–21).
Stanza 3: “’Mid toil and
tribulation, and tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation of peace forevermore;
Till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest,
And the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.”
The church is not without struggle. Revelation 2–3 shows that
congregations faced persecution, false teaching, and moral decay. Yet
the church perseveres, awaiting the “consummation” when Christ returns
and delivers her to eternal peace (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Revelation
21:2 pictures the church as “a bride adorned for her husband,” entering
into everlasting rest. This stanza reminds us to endure trials with
hope.
Stanza 4: “Yet she on earth hath
union with God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won:
O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we,
Like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with Thee.”
Even now, the church shares fellowship with God—Father, Son, and Spirit
(2 Corinthians 13:14). She also enjoys “communion” with the saints who
have gone on before—those “whose rest is won” (Hebrews 12:1). The call
is for us to remain faithful and humble, so we too may “dwell on high”
(Isaiah 57:15). Our unity is not just among ourselves but with heaven
itself.
Sermon Outline
Introduction:
- Hymn affirms the divine
foundation and purpose of the church
- Emphasizes unity, truth, and
eternal hope
I. Stanza 1 – The Church’s
Foundation in Christ
- 1 Corinthians 3:11 – No other
foundation but Christ
- Ephesians 5:26 – Sanctified by
the word and water
- Acts 20:28 – Purchased with His
blood
- Ephesians 5:25 – Christ died
for the church
II. Stanza 2 – Unity of the One
True Church
- Ephesians 4:4–6 – One body, one
faith, one baptism
- 1 Corinthians 10:17 – One
bread, one body
- Titus 2:11–13 – Grace teaches
us to hope
- John 17:20–21 – Prayer for
unity
III. Stanza 3 – Struggles and
Future Glory
- Revelation 2–3 – Churches in
tribulation
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 –
Awaiting the return
- Revelation 21:2 – Bride ready
for her husband
IV. Stanza 4 – Present Fellowship
and Eternal Reward
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 –
Fellowship with the Godhead
- Hebrews 12:1 – Surrounded by
faithful witnesses
- Isaiah 57:15 – Dwell with the
Most High
Call to Action
Are you part of the church Christ built? Not just any church—but the one
He died for, the one built on Him, the one united by the word, not
divided by tradition. Don’t settle for man-made foundations. Obey the
gospel (Romans 6:3–5), be added to His church (Acts 2:41,47), and remain
faithful. The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ—make sure He is
yours.
Scripture Reference List
- 1 Corinthians 3:11 – Christ is
the only foundation
- Ephesians 5:26 – Sanctified by
water and the word
- Acts 20:28 – Church purchased
by His blood
- Ephesians 5:25 – Christ loved
the church
- Ephesians 4:4–6 – One body, one
Lord, one baptism
- 1 Corinthians 10:17 – One
bread, one body
- Titus 2:11–13 – Grace brings
hope
- John 17:20–21 – Jesus prayed
for unity
- Revelation 2–3 – Churches in
trial
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 –
Awaiting the Lord’s return
- Revelation 21:2 – Church as
bride
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 –
Fellowship with God
- Hebrews 12:1 – Surrounded by
the faithful
- Isaiah 57:15 – Dwell with the
humble
- Romans 6:3–5 – Baptized into
Christ
- Acts 2:41,47 – Added to the
church by the Lord
Song Author Credit
Samuel J. Stone (1839–1900) wrote “The Church’s One Foundation” in 1866
as a defense of biblical truth during a time of doctrinal controversy in
the Church of England. His hymn remains a timeless reminder that the
church belongs to Christ alone.
Song History
Composed in response to false teaching in the 19th century, “The
Church’s One Foundation” was part of a collection of hymns reinforcing
the Apostles’ Creed. It was quickly embraced by churches seeking to
emphasize unity in Christ and has remained popular in churches of Christ
for its strong doctrinal foundation. Appearing in hymnals like Songs
of the Church and Sacred Selections, it continues to proclaim
Christ as the one true foundation.
Prepared by David Hersey of the
church of Christ at Granby, MO
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The
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