The term "Chosen and Precious Cornerstone" is a significant biblical metaphor that appears in both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing the foundational role of Jesus Christ in the spiritual edifice of the Church. This imagery is deeply rooted in the architectural practices of the ancient Near East, where the cornerstone was the principal stone placed at the corner of a building, ensuring its stability and alignment.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of a cornerstone is first introduced in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic literature. 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 cornerstone as a divine provision, a tested and reliable foundation for those who trust in God. The cornerstone is described as "precious," indicating its immense value and significance in God's redemptive plan.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the metaphor of the cornerstone is explicitly applied to Jesus Christ, affirming His role as the foundation of the Church. The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 2:4-6 , 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.'"

Peter's use of the cornerstone imagery underscores the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the person of Jesus. Despite being "rejected by men," Jesus is "chosen and precious in God’s sight," serving as the essential foundation upon which believers are built into a spiritual house. This passage emphasizes the continuity between the Old Testament prophecy and its New Testament realization, affirming the centrality of Christ in God's salvific work.

Theological Significance

The cornerstone metaphor carries profound theological implications. It signifies Christ's preeminence and authority in the Church, as well as His role as the unifying and sustaining force for believers. Ephesians 2:19-22 elaborates on this theme: "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 highlights the unity and growth of the Church, with Christ as the cornerstone ensuring the integrity and coherence of the entire structure. The apostles and prophets serve as the foundation, but it is Christ who holds the building together, making it a dwelling place for God.

Rejection and Acceptance

The cornerstone metaphor also addresses the theme of rejection and acceptance. While Jesus is the chosen cornerstone, He is also "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" to those who reject Him, as noted in 1 Peter 2:7-8 : "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,' and, 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.' They stumble because they disobey the message—and to this they were appointed."

This dual response to the cornerstone reflects the broader biblical narrative of belief and unbelief, where acceptance of Christ leads to salvation and spiritual growth, while rejection results in stumbling and judgment. The cornerstone thus serves as both a foundation for believers and a point of division for those who refuse to acknowledge its significance.

Conclusion

The "Chosen and Precious Cornerstone" is a rich biblical metaphor that encapsulates the foundational role of Jesus Christ in the life of the Church. It affirms His divine selection, His value in God's redemptive plan, and His centrality in the spiritual edifice of believers. Through this imagery, Scripture communicates the profound truth of Christ's preeminence and the necessity of faith in Him for spiritual stability and growth.