The rock of ages
He is a wise man, even in God’s account; for he builds his house upon a rock: upon the rock of ages, the everlasting rock, the Lord Jesus Christ. Fitly is he so called; for he does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. To him both the man of God of old, and the apostle citing his words bear witness, You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands. They shall perish, but you remain; they all shall grow old like a garment. And as a vesture you shall fold them up and they shall be changed: but you are the same and your years shall not fail. (Hebrews 1:10-12). Wise therefore is the man who builds on him; who lays him for his only foundation; who builds only upon his blood and righteousness, upon what he has done and suffered for us. On this corner-stone he fixes his faith, and rests the whole weight of his soul upon it. He is taught of God to say, Lord, I have sinned: I deserve the nethermost hell. But I am justified freely by your grace, through the redemption (Romans 3:24) that is in Jesus Christ. And the life I now live, I live by faith in him, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). The life I now live: namely, a divine, heavenly life; a life, which is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). I now live even in the flesh, a life of love, of pure love both to God and man: a life of holiness and happiness, praising God and doing all things to his glory.
1771 text
3. He is a wise man, even in God’s account; for he buildeth his house upon a rock: upon the rock of ages, the everlasting rock, the Lord Jesus Christ. Fitly is he so called; for he changeth not. He is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. To him both the man of God of old, and the apostle citing his words bear witness, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of thine hands. They shall perish, but thou remainest; they all shall wax old as doth a garment. And as a vesture shall thou fold them up and they shall be changed: but thou art the same and thy years shall not fail. Heb. i. 10, 11, 12. Wise therefore is the man who buildeth on him; who layeth him for his only foundation; who builds only upon his blood and righteousness, upon what he hath done and suffered for us. On this corner-stone he fixes his faith, and rests the whole weight of his soul upon it. He is taught of God to say, Lord, I have sinned: I deserve the nethermost hell. But I am justified freely by thy grace, thro’ the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. And the life I now live, I live by faith in him, who loved me and gave himself for me. The life I now live: namely, a divine, heavenly life; a life, which is hid with Christ in God. I now live even in the flesh, a life of love, of pure love both to God and man: a life of holiness and happiness, praising God and doing all things to his glory.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 33 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 7:21-27.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.