Christ: The Cornerstone

THE CORNERSTONE IS THE SURE FOUNDATION.

Upon Christ rests the spiritual superstructure which is being built for a habitation of God through the Spirit. (Isa. 28: 16) (NIV) So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed."

For the safety and stability of a building, everything depends on the foundation. The plans and materials may be perfect in themselves; but if the foundation is unstable, it will not stand when the storms and wind blow against it. On the other hand, the plans and materials may not be as good; but if the building is founded on a good foundation, it will stand.

When the divine architect planned the temple (The Church) for his dwelling, He made sure that the foundation was secure. So, Christ is the cornerstone. Jesus said that the gates of Hell would not prevail against it.

The emperor Diocletian set up a stone pillar on which was inscribed these words: "For Having Exterminated The Name Christian From the Earth." If he could see that monument today, how embarrassed and furious he would be! Another Roman leader made a coffin, symbolizing his intention "to bury the Galilean" by killing His followers. He soon learned that he could not "put the Master in it." He finally surrendered his heart to the Savior, realizing that the corporate body of Christ and its living Head, the Lord Jesus, cannot be destroyed by the onslaught of mortal men. Someone has suggested that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.

The history of the church has been represented by a picture of an anvil with many worn-out hammers lying all around it. Beneath this scene are the words: One Anvil -- Many Hammers. Organized religion may fail; but the living organism composed of all born-again believers will stand forever. God is calling out of this world a people for His name who will dwell with Him throughout eternity.

When Peter gave his great affirmation of faith, Jesus asked him, (Matt. 16: 15-18) "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it."

THE CORNERSTONE IS THE UNITING FOUNDATION.

The cornerstone unites two walls at the corner. When Jesus died and arose from the grave, He united two walls, Jews and Gentiles, and made peace. He took both Jew and Gentile and made them one body in Christ.

That's why Paul said in Ephesians 2: 19-22 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

THE CORNERSTONE IS THE HEAD OF THE CORNER 1 Peter 2:6-8
He is the stone that unites two walls of a corner (1 Peter 2: 6-8) For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, the stone the builders rejected has become the capstone, and a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were destined for.

Capstone: The Head Stone

A head stone is often a costly, precious stone placed on the top of the wall to give the building a finished look. You might say it was the crown and glory of the building. Not only is Christ the foundation, but he the capstone. He is the crown and glory of the church corporately and individually.

New Testament writers spoke of Christ as a stone rejected by the builders which has become the head of the corner (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7). Here, the head of the corner refers either to a capstone, a keystone of an arch, or to a cornerstone.

Three things are said about the Head Stone.

Tested - Isaiah 28:16 tells us that the stone was tested. The capstone was tested intensively. It had to be perfect, no flaws. It had to fit properly into place or it was rejected. It was regarded as contemptible, despised, least esteemed, regarded as nothing.
Chosen - Peter tells us that the stone was Chosen (favorite, elect)
Precious - Peter tells us that it was a Precious Stone (valued, dear, more honorable, precious, in reputation.

Conclusion:

David Livingstone once remarked: "He is the greatest master I have ever known. If there is anyone greater, I do not know him. Jesus Christ is the only master supremely worth serving. He is the only ideal that never loses its inspiration. He is the only friend whose friendship meets every demand. He is the only Savior who can save the uttermost. We go forth in His name, in His power, and in His Spirit to serve Him."

Everything rests on the foundation of Christ and who he is.

Jesus is the Cornerstone upon which our faith rests. Unto us who believe He is precious.