Topical Encyclopedia In the Scriptures, precious stones are often used metaphorically to describe the beauty, value, and glory of spiritual truths and divine realities. Among these, the preciousness of Christ stands out as a central theme, reflecting His unparalleled worth and significance in the life of believers.Biblical Imagery and Symbolism The Bible frequently employs the imagery of precious stones to convey the splendor and majesty of Christ. In the Old Testament, the high priest's breastplate, adorned with twelve precious stones, symbolizes the tribes of Israel and points to the mediating work of Christ, our High Priest (Exodus 28:17-21). Each stone, unique and valuable, reflects the multifaceted nature of Christ's ministry and His intimate relationship with His people. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter refers to Christ as the "living stone" and the "cornerstone" chosen by God and precious to Him (1 Peter 2:4-6). This imagery underscores Christ's foundational role in the spiritual edifice of the Church and His supreme value in the eyes of God and believers alike. Christ as the Pearl of Great Price The parable of the pearl of great price further illustrates the preciousness of Christ (Matthew 13:45-46). In this parable, the kingdom of heaven is likened to a merchant seeking fine pearls, who, upon finding one of great value, sells all he has to purchase it. This narrative highlights the incomparable worth of Christ and His kingdom, for which believers are called to forsake all else. The Radiance of Christ in Revelation The Book of Revelation vividly portrays the glory and preciousness of Christ through the imagery of precious stones. In Revelation 21:11, the New Jerusalem, representing the bride of Christ, is described as having "the glory of God, her radiance like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal" . This depiction emphasizes the divine splendor and purity of Christ, who illuminates the heavenly city with His presence. Furthermore, the foundations of the city wall are adorned with every kind of precious stone, each representing the apostles and their foundational role in the Church (Revelation 21:19-20). This imagery serves to magnify the beauty and worth of Christ's redemptive work, as reflected in the lives of His followers. Christ's Precious Blood The preciousness of Christ is also intimately connected to His sacrificial death. The Apostle Peter speaks of believers being redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot" (1 Peter 1:19). This reference to Christ's blood as precious underscores the infinite value of His atoning sacrifice, which secures the salvation of His people and reconciles them to God. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of Christ as precious, likened to the most valuable of stones, invites believers to recognize and cherish His supreme worth. Through the imagery of precious stones, Scripture calls the faithful to a deeper appreciation of Christ's beauty, glory, and redemptive work, urging them to respond with worship, devotion, and a life wholly surrendered to Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus said the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 2:6 Library The Hidden Treasure. The Work of Christ. The True Gold and Its Testing An Old Subscription List The Fourth Commandment The Foundation of God The Writing on God's Hands The Absurdity and Shamefulness of the Images by which the Gods are ... Faith and Life Enduring to the End Resources Who does God say I am? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about when God will judge us? | GotQuestions.org What is a plumb line in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Precious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lapidary: One Who Cuts Precious Stones Precious Stones of Great Variety Precious Stones of Many Colours Precious Stones used for Adorning the Breastplate of Judgment Precious Stones used for Adorning the High Priest's Ephod Precious Stones used for Adorning the Temple Precious Stones used for Decorating the Person Precious Stones used for Honoring Idols Precious Stones used for Ornamenting Royal Crowns Precious Stones used for Setting in Seals and Rings Precious Stones: A Part of the Treasure of Kings Precious Stones: Art of Engraving Upon, Early Known to the Jews Precious Stones: Art of Setting, Known to the Jews Precious Stones: Beauty and Stability of the Church Precious Stones: Brilliant and Glittering Precious Stones: Brought from Ophir Precious Stones: Brought from Sheba Precious Stones: Called: Jewels Precious Stones: Called: Precious Jewels Precious Stones: Called: Stones of Fire Precious Stones: Called: Stones to be Set Precious Stones: Dug out of the Earth Precious Stones: Extensive Commerce In Precious Stones: Given by Chief Men for the Temple Precious Stones: Given by the Jews for the Tabernacle Precious Stones: Glory of Heavenly Jerusalem Precious Stones: Highly Prized by the Ancients Precious Stones: Often Given As Presents Precious Stones: Preciousness of Christ Precious Stones: Prepared by David for the Temple Precious Stones: Sardine or Sardius Precious Stones: Seductive Splendour and False Glory of the Apostasy Precious Stones: Stability of Heavenly Jerusalem Precious Stones: Worldly Glory of Nations Related Terms |
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