The concept of Christ as the cornerstone of the Church is a profound and foundational theme in Christian theology, emphasizing His essential role in the establishment and sustenance of the Church. This imagery is deeply rooted in both Old and New Testament scriptures, highlighting the preciousness and indispensability of Christ in the spiritual edifice of God's people.

Old Testament Foundations

The cornerstone metaphor finds its origins in the Old Testament, where it is used to signify strength, stability, and alignment. In Isaiah 28:16, the prophet 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 underscores the reliability and preciousness of the cornerstone, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, identify Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this prophetic cornerstone. In Ephesians 2:19-20, 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." Here, Christ is depicted as the essential stone that unites and supports the entire structure of the Church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

The Apostle Peter also affirms this truth in 1 Peter 2:6-7, quoting Isaiah and applying it to 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.' To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.'" This passage highlights the dual response to Christ: for believers, He is precious and foundational; for unbelievers, He is a stumbling block.

Christ's Role and Significance

The preciousness of Christ as the cornerstone is multifaceted. Firstly, it signifies His preeminence and authority in the Church. As the cornerstone, Christ is the first and most important stone laid, determining the position and stability of the entire structure. Colossians 1:18 affirms, "And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence."

Secondly, Christ as the cornerstone ensures the unity and coherence of the Church. Believers, as living stones, are built upon Him, forming a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). This unity is not based on human effort but on the shared foundation of faith in Christ, who reconciles and unites all believers.

Lastly, the cornerstone metaphor emphasizes the security and permanence of the Church. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." The Church, built on the solid foundation of Christ, is assured of its endurance against all adversities.

Conclusion

The preciousness of Christ as the cornerstone of the Church is a central tenet of Christian faith, underscoring His indispensable role in the life and structure of the Church. Through Him, believers find their unity, security, and purpose, as they are built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22).Isaiah 28:16
Therefore 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
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

Particular Index of Subjects.
... his preaching, 217. his preciousness, 436, 512. ... Conventions, and associations,
725-731. Corner-stone of church laid, 696. ... of Christ, 649. soldier of, 992. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/particular index of subjects.htm

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ...
... the necessity of it, and the preciousness of it ... building have a near dependence,
the corner-stone and the wall"these knit together; and Christ Jesus is ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i there is therefore.htm

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