A Sure Foundation, Part 1

“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” (Isa. 28:16).

When LDS temples are built, we hold a ceremony to commemorate the laying of the corner stones. These stones are part of the foundation of the buildings and are some of the most important. They bear much weight and make sure the foundation is sure and aligned. Temple corner stones represent the Savior, who is our One Sure Stone. He is the Way and the foundation of our faith. He was tried with the refiner’s fire and remained strong and pure; He is the source of strength and purity. The Lord is our precious Corner Stone.

The Apostle Paul taught of the importance of building on the foundation of the Savior and the prophets and apostles: “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:19-20). Without prophets and apostles, the Lord’s church crumbles and collapses, as it did following the death of the Savior and His apostles. He is the Chief Corner Stone but without the other stones in the foundation, the Church cannot stand.

Sometimes the Corner Stone is a stumbling block for people. “And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (2 Ne. 18:14).

The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob expanded on this message: “And now I, Jacob, am led on by the Spirit unto prophesying; for I perceive by the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that by the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation” (Jacob 4:15). The Savior tried to provide the Jews with a sure foundation – with safety – but they rejected that Stone and tried to grind Him down.

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