Topical Encyclopedia In architectural terms, a keystone is the central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole arch together. This concept, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be metaphorically related to several biblical themes and passages, particularly in the context of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone or capstone of the Church.Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Cornerstone and Capstone Imagery: The imagery of a cornerstone is prevalent in the Bible and is closely related to the concept of a keystone. In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the principal stone, often placed at the corner of a building to guide the builders. Similarly, the keystone is crucial in holding an arch together. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the cornerstone, emphasizing His foundational role in the Church. · Psalm 118:22 : "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." · Ephesians 2:20 : "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." 2. Christ as the Keystone: While the term "keystone" is not used, the function it serves can be seen in the role of Christ in the Church. Just as a keystone holds an arch together, Christ holds the Church together, providing unity and strength. This is reflected in the New Testament's depiction of Christ as the head of the Church. · Colossians 1:17-18 : "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 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." 3. Unity and Stability: The keystone's role in maintaining the integrity of an arch can be likened to the unity and stability that Christ provides to believers. The Church, described as a spiritual house, relies on Christ as the keystone for its coherence and strength. · 1 Peter 2:4-5 : "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." 4. Rejection and Acceptance: The metaphor of the keystone also aligns with the theme of rejection and acceptance found in Scripture. Just as a keystone might be overlooked until its necessity is realized, Christ was rejected by many but is essential for salvation and the unity of the Church. · Acts 4:11 : "This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’" Theological Implications The keystone metaphor underscores the indispensability of Christ in the life of the believer and the Church. It highlights the necessity of Christ for spiritual stability and unity, reflecting the belief that without Him, the structure of faith would collapse. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the centrality of Christ in Christian doctrine and the life of the Church, emphasizing His role as the one who holds all things together. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The central or topmost stone of an arch. This in some styles is made different in size from the other voussoirs, or projects, or is decorated with carving.Library Prayer and Faith The New Covenant. Thomas and Jesus 'As I have Loved' The Glory of the Cross Some Surprising Results of the Break. The Surprising Jew. On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead. The Old, Old Story The Historicity of the Book of Jonah. Thesaurus Keystone (3 Occurrences)...Keystone (3 Occurrences). Ephesians 2:20 Resting on the base of the Apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief keystone, (BBE). ... /k/keystone.htm - 7k Key (8 Occurrences) Kezia (1 Occurrence) Elder (34 Occurrences) Resting (117 Occurrences) Special (89 Occurrences) Value (138 Occurrences) Base (127 Occurrences) Keys (2 Occurrences) Resources Keystone: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Keystone (3 Occurrences)Ephesians 2:20 1 Peter 2:6 Zechariah 10:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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