Bound By Truth

First appearing in John Rippon’s A Selection of Hymns in 1787, the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” is a timeless reminder of God’s faithfulness and the unshakable hope we have in Christ’s finished work. The opening line of this hymn presents a fundamental truth: our faith is grounded in God’s excellent Word, which provides everything we need for life and godliness. This truth offers a necessary starting point for both the hymn and our lives as Christians.

The hymn’s first verse declares that the foundation for our faith is laid in the promises of God’s Word. This message is critical in a time when many churches have moved away from relying solely on Scripture, opting instead for entertainment-driven approaches to draw people in. Much like in sales, where emotional appeals are used to close deals, churches today have become skilled in eliciting emotional responses—relying on lights, shows, and other worldly attractions—while often downplaying or soft-pedaling the Word of God.

But the hymn, much like Scripture itself, points us back to the sufficiency of God’s Word. In the words, “What more can He say, than to you He has said,” we are reminded that God has already spoken fully and finally through His Word. As Christians, we don’t need to seek new revelations or “fresh words” from God. Instead, we are called to rest in the complete revelation He has given us in Scripture.

During the recent “Cessationist Conference” hosted by G3 Ministries, the importance of the sufficiency of Scripture was highlighted in the discussion about whether miraculous gifts, such as prophecy, are still active today. The Bible is clear: God has spoken once and for all, and nothing should be added to or taken away from His Word (Jude 3, 2 Peter 1:3-4). God has given us everything we need for life and godliness through His Word, and it is our responsibility to contend earnestly for the faith delivered to us.

In this hymn, the writer—known only as “K”—emphasizes that the foundation of our faith, laid in Scripture, is for those who have fled to Jesus for refuge. The only way to rest fully in the promises of God’s Word is through faith in Christ. It is through Him that we find the firm foundation we so desperately need in a world filled with shifting values and fleeting emotions.

In conclusion, “How Firm a Foundation” calls us back to the certainty of God’s Word. As believers, we must stand firm on the foundation of Scripture, trusting in the promises that God has already spoken, and living out our faith with the confidence that His Word is sufficient. In Christ, we have a sure and steadfast anchor for our souls, and in His Word, we have everything we need to navigate life’s trials and challenges.

Quote for Reflection: “If you believe what you like in the Bible, and reject what you like, it is not the Bible you believe, but yourself.” — Augustine of Hippo

Let us be reminded, as we reflect on this hymn, that the Word of God is not only sufficient but also the foundation upon which all of life is built for those who seek refuge in Christ alone.

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