The Rock

 "He is the Rock, his words are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He." Deuteronomy 32:4

    MercyMe. Lauren Daigle. Casting Crowns. These are all Christian music artists I love, but every once in a while, I am drawn to the old, familiar hymns. Their lyrics are powerful poems, based upon the truths of Scripture.

    Listen to these, taken from "The Solid Rock," written by Edward Mote in 1834:

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' Name. 

On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found!

Clothed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!

On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

    Upon what other foundation could I build my life that would guarantee my trip to spend eternity in heaven? Let's see.

    If I built upon family, they, too, must leave this world, so I can't count on tagging along with one of them. Besides, how can I be sure of their destination? Hmm.

    What if I relied upon the government for my needs? Do they offer some type of after-life payment plan? No, their track record is not that great on this side of the sod.

    Well, if only I stockpiled enough money, then I could buy my way past the pearly gates. No, the Egyptians tried that, but those riches were all discovered in the pyramids. Besides, those funds are all left behind to beneficiaries. That won't work. 

    How about attending church religiously, serving at a soup kitchen and tithing ten percent to a worthwhile cause? Certainly, my good deeds will get me in. Though that is a popular belief, God says otherwise: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2: 8, 9)

    I know! A couple of college degrees is what's needed. Then I will outsmart God. The Lord says, "Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe." (1 Corinthians 1: 20, 21)

    The only way I can be assured of my salvation is to put all my hope on the Rock, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4) He created me, He sustains me, He redeemed me by his precious blood. He has promised to come back for me and take me to be with Him where He is. (John 14:3) All other ground is indeed sinking sand.

"He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26: 3, 4