Cornerstone

The term 'cornerstone' in the Bible symbolizes Christ as the foundational stone of faith and the Church, emphasizing His role in salvation and the establishment of God's kingdom.

In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, determining the position of the entire structure. This metaphor is used throughout scripture to illustrate Christ's foundational role in the faith.

• Christ as the Foundation
• Rejection and Acceptance
• Unity in the Church

1. Matthew 21:42Jesus quotes Psalm 118, affirming that He is the cornerstone rejected by the builders, emphasizing His central role in God's plan.
2. 1 Peter 2:6-8Peter refers to Christ as the cornerstone, highlighting both His preciousness to believers and the stumbling block He represents to those who reject Him.

1. Psalm 118:22-23This passage prophesies the rejection of the cornerstone by the builders, which is fulfilled in Christ.
2. Isaiah 28:16God declares that He is laying a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation.
3. Ephesians 2:19-22Paul explains that believers are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone.

• Recognize Christ as the foundation of personal faith and the Church.
• Encourage unity among believers, understanding that all are built upon the same cornerstone.
• Proclaim the message of Christ, the cornerstone, to those who have yet to accept Him, acknowledging the reality of rejection.

• Christ is the essential foundation upon which the Church is built, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Him for salvation.
• The rejection of Christ as the cornerstone illustrates the broader theme of Israel's unbelief and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan.
• The unity of believers is rooted in Christ, the cornerstone, who brings together diverse individuals into one body.

• Foundation

  The concept of the cornerstone is intrinsically linked to the idea of a solid foundation for faith and the Church.

• Rejection of Christ

  The theme of Christ being rejected by His own people is a recurring motif that highlights the significance of His role as the cornerstone.

• Rock

  The concept of Christ as the cornerstone connects to the idea of Him being the foundational rock of the church.

• Stone of Stumbling

  The stone of stumbling is contrasted with the cornerstone, emphasizing that while Christ is a foundation for believers, He is also a point of contention for others.

• Stumblingstone

  The stumblingstone is contrasted with the cornerstone, which represents Christ as the foundation of faith for believers.