In biblical terminology, the concept of a "mainstay" is not directly mentioned as a specific term in the Scriptures. However, the idea of a mainstay, which refers to something that acts as a chief support or stabilizing force, is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and theology. The Bible frequently uses metaphors and imagery to convey the idea of God, His Word, and His promises as the ultimate support and foundation for believers.

God as the Mainstay

Throughout the Bible, God is depicted as the ultimate source of strength and stability for His people. In Psalm 18:2 , David declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Here, God is portrayed as a rock and fortress, emphasizing His role as a steadfast and unmovable support for those who trust in Him.

Similarly, in Isaiah 26:4 , the prophet encourages the people of Israel, "Trust in the LORD forever, because GOD the LORD is the Rock eternal." This passage underscores the eternal and unchanging nature of God as a reliable foundation for faith and life.

Christ as the Mainstay

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the cornerstone and foundation of the Church. In Ephesians 2:20 , Paul writes, "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." The cornerstone is the principal stone in a building, providing stability and alignment for the entire structure. Thus, Christ is the mainstay of the Church, ensuring its unity and strength.

Furthermore, in Hebrews 6:19 , the hope found in Christ is described as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." This imagery of an anchor conveys the idea of Christ as a stabilizing force amidst the storms of life, providing believers with assurance and steadfastness.

The Word of God as the Mainstay

The Scriptures themselves are also depicted as a mainstay for believers. In Psalm 119:105 , the psalmist proclaims, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Word of God provides guidance, wisdom, and stability, acting as a reliable source of truth in a world often characterized by uncertainty and moral relativism.

Moreover, in Matthew 7:24-25 , Jesus teaches about the importance of building one's life on His words: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock." Here, the teachings of Christ are likened to a solid foundation, underscoring their role as a mainstay for a life of faith.

Faith as the Mainstay

Faith itself is portrayed as a mainstay in the life of a believer. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty provide believers with a firm foundation, enabling them to persevere through trials and challenges.

In 1 Corinthians 16:13 , Paul exhorts the Corinthians, "Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong." This call to stand firm in the faith highlights the role of faith as a stabilizing force, empowering believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God.

In summary, while the term "mainstay" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is richly illustrated through the depiction of God, Christ, the Word of God, and faith as foundational and stabilizing forces in the life of a believer. These elements provide the necessary support and strength for a life rooted in the truth and promises of God.1. (n.) The stay extending from the foot of the foremast to the maintop.

2. (n.) Main support; principal dependence.

Concerning Peace, and what is Meant by the Self-Existent Being ...
... First then, this must be said, that It is mainstay of the self-existent Peace, both
the general and the particular; and that It mingles all things with each ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput xi concerning peace and.htm

Concerning Wisdom, Mind, Reason, Truth, Faith.
... For, agreeably to the things already spoken, the super-wise, and all-wise Cause
is a mainstay [48] even of the self-existing Wisdom, both the universal and the ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput vii concerning wisdom mind.htm

Concerning Great, Small, Same, Different, Similar, Dissimilar ...
... thou art the same"; and as different, when He is depicted, by the same Oracles,
as of many shapes and many forms; and as similar, as mainstay of things similar ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput ix concerning great small.htm

The Second General Epistle of Peter
... p.344. This knowledge, resting on a sure foundation, must be the mainstay of the
readers, when false doctrines are propagated in their midst, and must be their ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the second general epistle of.htm

'Fit, Though Few'
... From his home among the hills, he had sent the fiery cross to the three northern
tribes, who had been the mainstay of Deborah's victory, and who now rallied ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/fit though few.htm

Letter L. To Domnio.
... You inform me, moreover, that this home-grown dialectician, this mainstay of the
Plautine company, has read neither the "Categories" of Aristotle nor his ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter l to domnio.htm

Petilianus Said: "David Also Said, the Oil of the Sinner Shall not ...
... Augustin answered: As representing the body of Christ, which is the Church of the
living God, the pillar and mainstay of the truth, dispersed throughout the ...
/.../chapter 104 236 petilianus.htm

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... Bread was regarded as the mainstay of life, [4260] without which no entertainment
was considered as a meal. Indeed, in a sense it constituted the meal. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

Preface to Volume ii. Of the Edinburgh Edition.
... This man was really the mainstay of the heresy; he had greater resources of mind
and a firmer character than either of his associates;"more candid and ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/preface to volume ii of.htm

The Service Common to Two and Many Nuns.
... following it in abstemiousness, ye have put down all the fawning of the serpent,
crying out unto Christ: O heavenly Bridegroom, be Thou unto us the mainstay. ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxiii the service common.htm

Mainstay (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mainstay (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 49:35 Thus says Yahweh
of Armies: Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. ...
/m/mainstay.htm - 6k

Maintain (50 Occurrences)

/m/maintain.htm - 21k

Main-sail
Main-sail. Mainsail, Main-sail. Mainstay . Easton's Bible Dictionary (Gr. artemon ...
40). Mainsail, Main-sail. Mainstay . Reference Bible.
/m/main-sail.htm - 6k

Pekah (11 Occurrences)
... Isaiah himself was the mainstay of the opposition to their projects. The policy
he advocated, by divine direction, was that of complete neutrality. ...
/p/pekah.htm - 19k

Pillar (72 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Figuratively, that which resembles such a pillar in appearance, character,
or office; a supporter or mainstay; as, the Pillars of Hercules; a pillar of ...
/p/pillar.htm - 38k

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