Dictionary of Bible Themes A stone that can be in the foundation, above ground level or at the summit of the roof (the "capstone"). The cornerstone of a large building gives it a reliable and firm foundation, leading to the cohesion and stability of the whole building. In Scripture, such foundation-stones are taken as symbolic of the basis of faith in Jesus Christ and the church. Jesus Christ is thus represented as both the foundation upon which the church is built, and the capstone which crowns the whole. Job 38:4-6The place of the cornerstone in buildings See also Jeremiah 51:261 Peter 2:4-8 Isaiah 28:16 The cornerstone is prominent, indispensable and should be reliable See also Psalms 118:22Isaiah 19:13 Ephesians 2:19-22 Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the church See also 1 Peter 2:5-6Isaiah 28:16 Matthew 21:42-44 The cornerstone is a sure foundation for believers, but a stumbling-block for unbelievers Rejection of the cornerstone leads to stumbling and rejection See also pp Mk 12:10-11 Psalms 118:22-23pp Lk 20:17-18 Isaiah 8:13-15Romans 9:33 Isaiah 28:16 1 Peter 2:7-8 1 Peter 2:6-7 See also Reliance on the cornerstone gives security to believers Isaiah 28:16Acts 4:10-12 Ephesians 2:20-22 Psalms 118:22 The capstone as the crowning glory of a building Matthew 21:42-44For all the following NT references, NIV footnote is "cornerstone": Acts 4:10-12pp Mk 12:10 1 Peter 2:4-8pp Lk 20:17-18 See also 1670 symbols2212 Christ, head of church 5317 foundation 5604 walls 7024 church, nature of |
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