When I was four, I spent much of my time wondering how things worked. I tried hard to understand, for instance, how many people made footprints in cement. An older, wiser child assured me it wasn’t that difficult. You only had to press your foot into the cement when it was wet. So I poured water on the sidewalk, stamped hard on the cement, and got nothing for my efforts but a sore foot. 

In a way the truth about salvation isn’t that difficult either, though we often misunderstand it to our hurt. We cannot quite believe that the good news is as good as it is. So we try to add to it. Instead of trusting in Christ’s forgiveness when we repent, we beat ourselves up until enough time has elapsed for us to finally feel forgiven. Or we let worry eat away at our faith because we think that more depends on us than depends on Christ. Our misguided notions produce nothing but a sore heart. 

Let’s get it straight today. The cornerstone of our faith is this: If we confess with our months, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved. 

Isaiah 28:16 – Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “ Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily. 

Continued Prayer and Praise

• Rely on the Lord, who is your rock and refuge. (Psalm 18:2) 
• Praise Jesus, who has become the cornerstone. (John 2:13-20) 
• Recall that there is only one foundation. (1 Corinthians 3:11) 
• Remember that you are no longer your own. You are a living stone, being built into a spiritual house. (1 Peter 2:4-9) 
• Repent so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. (Acts 3:1-4:12) 
• Pray for God’s chosen people to believe in His Son. (Luke 19:41-44)