Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

Hymn lyrics and .mp3 Download

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1. Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone; chosen of the Lord and precious, binding all the church in one; holy Zion's help forever, and her confidence alone.

2. To this temple, where we call thee, come, O Lord of Hosts, today! With thy faithful loving-kindness hear thy people as they pray, and thy fullest benediction shed within its walls alway.

3. Here vouchsafe to all thy servants what they ask of thee to gain; what they gain from thee forever with the blessed to retain, and hereafter in thy glory evermore with thee to reign.

4. Laud and honor to the Father, laud and honor to the Son, laud and honor to the Spirit, ever three and ever one; one in might and one in glory, while unending ages run.

Words by: 7th cent. Latin;
trans. by John Mason Neale
Music by: Henry Purcell
adapt. by Ernest Hawkins

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Story of the hymn Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation

🏛️ Origins in Early Medieval Monastic Worship (6th–7th Century)

The hymn originates from the Latin text Urbs beata Jerusalem, a monastic hymn used during the dedication of churches and altars in the early medieval period It was part of the daily liturgical life of monks, especially within the Benedictine tradition.

The text reflects the early church’s fascination with the New Jerusalem—the heavenly city described in Revelation—symbolizing the unity and holiness of God’s people.

📜 Themes of the Original Latin Hymn

The Latin hymn used architectural imagery to describe the Church as:

• A holy city built by God
• A spiritual temple made of “living stones” (believers)
• A place where God dwells and blesses His people

These themes echo Ephesians 2:19–22, where Christ is called the cornerstone of God’s household.

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