Topical Bible: Foundation: Joined Together by Corner Stones

◄ Foundation: Joined Together by Corner Stones ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical theology, the concept of a foundation joined together by cornerstones is a profound metaphor that illustrates the unity, strength, and purpose of the Church and the believer's life in Christ. This imagery is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing the essential role of Christ as the cornerstone and the apostles and prophets as foundational elements of the faith.

Old Testament Foundations

The cornerstone is a critical element in ancient construction, serving as the principal stone that determines the position and stability of the entire structure. In the Old Testament, the cornerstone is often used metaphorically to signify strength and prominence. Isaiah 28:16 declares, "So this is what the Lord GOD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.'" This passage highlights the Messiah as the cornerstone, a theme that is echoed throughout Scripture.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the cornerstone prophecy in the person of Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 2:19-22 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit."

This passage emphasizes the unity and growth of the Church, with Christ as the cornerstone that holds the entire structure together. The apostles and prophets serve as the foundation, upon which the Church is built, signifying the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Christ as the Cornerstone

The cornerstone metaphor is further reinforced in 1 Peter 2:4-7 , where believers are described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house. Peter writes, "As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: 'See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.'"

Here, the believers' identity and purpose are intricately connected to Christ, the cornerstone, who is both chosen and precious. The rejection of Christ by men contrasts with His exalted position in God's plan, underscoring the transformative power of faith in Him.

The Role of Believers

Believers, as living stones, are called to be part of this divine construction, contributing to the spiritual edifice that is the Church. This imagery conveys the idea of interconnectedness and mutual support among believers, each playing a vital role in the body of Christ. The foundation joined together by cornerstones is not merely a static structure but a dynamic, growing entity that reflects the living nature of the Church.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of a foundation joined together by cornerstones serves as a powerful reminder of the centrality of Christ in the life of the Church and the believer. It calls for unity, faith, and a commitment to the teachings of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the unifying cornerstone. Through this foundation, believers are equipped to grow into a holy temple, a dwelling place for God, reflecting His glory and purpose in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 4:12
Be it known to the king, that the Jews which came up from you to us are come to Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:6
Why also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on him shall not be confounded.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 2:20
And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Scriptures
... up one house and temple fitly joined together, in which God ... which is Jesus Christ
for "other foundation can no ... quickens it in itself, and unites them together. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture v of the scriptures.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... English Church, the Puritans had joined themselves together ... Lord's free people,
"to walk together in all ... and prospered until its foundation principles"civil ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... evening by evening, there was also joined a continual ... mighty work, and be the
foundation-stones of the new spiritual building, bonded together and firmly ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs.
... is well and surely built upon the foundation of the ... has made him the head of the
corner of this ... Still others he joined together about the basilica on both sides ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv panegyric on the splendor.htm

The Service Common to Two or Many Apostles.
... thee, O Virgin, was separated " that corner stone, even Christ, Who hath joined
together the distant ... Ye have appeared together in the foundation of the ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter ix the service common.htm

Of the Primacy of the Romish See.
... describes Christ as the chief corner-stone, on ... foundation; as Paul says, "Other
foundation than this ... whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 of the primacy.htm

A Description of the Temple.
... had on an inner garment of linen, together with a ... with smooth pieces of stone, from
its foundation, both for ... viewed; but on the corner where it joined to the ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm

The Temple Cleansed Again
... These were now joined by the newcomers. ... Jesus and the high priest as they talked
together was marked. ... For use in the foundation, one stone of unusual size and ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... and become a basis and a sure foundation for that ... boards of cedar, that were kept
close together by thick ... the northern: their other wings, which joined to each ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Carey as an Educator --The First Christian College in the East
... of the college"Cause of its foundation"The college ... to each other as to act together,
he thought it ... He had previously joined the Marchioness of Hastings in ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xiv carey as an.htm