Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Christ: Chief Corner-Stone

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The title "Chief Corner-Stone" ascribed to Christ is a profound metaphor found within the Scriptures, signifying His foundational and unifying role in the spiritual edifice of the Church. This title is deeply rooted in both Old and New Testament writings, illustrating the continuity of God's redemptive plan through Christ.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of the cornerstone is first introduced in the Old Testament, where it is often used to describe something of utmost importance and stability. 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 prophetically points to the coming Messiah, who would be the foundation of God's new covenant with His people.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the title "Chief Corner-Stone" is explicitly applied to Jesus Christ, affirming His role as the essential foundation of the Church. 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 cornerstone that unites and supports the entire structure of the Church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

The Apostle Peter also emphasizes this title 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 as the cornerstone—He is precious to believers but a stumbling block to those who reject Him.

Rejection and Vindication

The metaphor of the cornerstone also encompasses the theme of rejection and vindication. Jesus Himself refers to this in Matthew 21:42, quoting Psalm 118:22-23: "Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the Scriptures: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes"?'"

This rejection by the builders, representing the religious leaders of Israel, underscores the paradox of Christ's mission. Though rejected by men, He is chosen and exalted by God, becoming the indispensable cornerstone of salvation.

Spiritual Implications

The title "Chief Corner-Stone" carries significant spiritual implications for believers. It calls for a recognition of Christ's authority and preeminence in the life of the Church and individual believers. As the cornerstone, Christ is the standard by which all other stones—believers—are aligned and held together. This alignment ensures the stability and growth of the spiritual house, as described in 1 Peter 2:5: "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."

In summary, the title "Chief Corner-Stone" encapsulates the essential role of Christ as the foundation and unifying force of the Church, His rejection and ultimate vindication, and the call for believers to align their lives with Him as the cornerstone of their faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 2:20
And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
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

Library

Christ as the Rod, the Flower, the Stone.
... baseless is the procedure of those who, when so many names are given to Christ,
take the ... without enquiring, as in the case of His other titles, in what ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/41 christ as the rod.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus, because He saves,"Christ, because
He ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred these two titles on two ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not ... mention of the Saviour by those titles,
which are ... of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... virgin Thekla, and afterwards at this mighty city, thus connecting their names,
no longer ... 3276] Body of Christ, ie, the ... 3375] Hospitable, etc., titles given to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... 5240] These titles are put ... last sets forth their relations to those forerunners of
Christ, whose graves ... Matt.) are quite different names, in Greek as in Hebrew ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... porch of the temple, and they had names given them ... What now are all other titles
of grandeur and ... And hence Christ calls them fishermen, saying, 'Ye shall catch ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

On the Councils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
... In life is implied nature and essence; this, Christ teaches, has ... of common words,
such as the titles Father and ... and the universe, so that the names Father and ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/on the councils or the.htm

[Endnotes]
... The chief priests and scribes were, perhaps, summoned to ... the same person under two
several names; and as ... are joined together in their coming to Christ, so in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... at, and smoothes over under the names of gaiety ... you love life, seek to become acquainted
with Jesus Christ. ... God does not look at riches, titles, learning, beauty ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... as on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... those that had suffered much
for Christ in the ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm