S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In ancient building practices, the cornerstone was the principal stone placed at the corner of the edifice. The cornerstone was usually one of the largest, the most solid, and the most carefully co...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone?

Jesus Christ is scripturally spoken of as the "foundation cornerstone" of the Christian congregation, which is likened to a spiritual house. Through Isaiah, God foretold that He would lay in Zion as a foundation "a stone, a tried stone, the precious corner of a sure foundation." (Isa 28:16) Peter quoted and applied to Jesus Christ this prophecy regarding the "foundation cornerstone" on which individual anointed Christians are built up as "living stones," to become a spiritual house or temple for God. (1Pe 2:4-6) 

Psalm 118:22 discloses that the stone rejected by the builders would become "the head of the corner" (Heb., roʼsh pin·nahʹ). Jesus quoted and applied this prophecy to himself as "the chief cornerstone" (Gr., ke·pha·leʹ go·niʹas, head of the corner). (Mt 21:42; Mr 12:10, 11; Lu 20:17) Just as the topmost stone of a building is conspicuous, so Jesus Christ is the crowning stone of the Christian congregation, which is likened to a spiritual temple. Peter also applied Psalm 118:22 to Christ, showing that he was "the stone" rejected by men but chosen by God to become "the head of the corner."​—Ac 4:8-12; see also 1Pe 2:4-7.

How did Peter himself understand Jesus' words? Growing up an Israelite, Peter would have been familiar with various Hebrew prophecies speaking of a "stone" or a "cornerstone." (Isaiah 8:13, 14; 28:16; Zechariah 3:9) When he quoted one of them in a letter to his fellow believers, Peter explained that the prophesied "cornerstone" was the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Peter used the Greek term pe'tra (the same word found in Jesus' statement at Matthew 16:18) for Christ alone.​—1 Peter 2:4-8.

Conclusion:

The image of Jesus as the cornerstone emphasises His supreme authority, reliability, and essential role in God's plan of salvation, serving as the sole foundation for a lasting spiritual life.

7 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report