Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, stones are often used figuratively to convey spiritual truths, moral lessons, and divine principles. The imagery of stones is rich and varied, appearing throughout both the Old and New Testaments to symbolize strength, permanence, and foundational truths.1. Christ as the Cornerstone One of the most significant figurative uses of stones in the Bible is the depiction of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. 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 prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament, where Christ is identified as the cornerstone of the Church. In Ephesians 2:20, Paul writes, "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." This metaphor emphasizes Christ's essential role in the foundation and unity of the Church. 2. Living Stones Believers are also described as "living stones" 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." This imagery highlights the dynamic and active role of Christians in the spiritual edifice of the Church, suggesting that each believer contributes to the strength and integrity of the community of faith. 3. Hearts of Stone The Bible uses the metaphor of a "heart of stone" to describe spiritual insensitivity and hardness. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises transformation: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This transformation signifies the renewal and softening of the human heart, enabling receptivity to God's will and compassion. 4. Stumbling Stone The concept of a "stumbling stone" is used to describe an obstacle to faith. In Romans 9:32-33, Paul refers to Israel's failure to attain righteousness because they pursued it not by faith but by works: "They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written: 'See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.'" Here, Christ is the stone that causes some to stumble, illustrating the division between those who accept Him and those who reject Him. 5. Stones of Remembrance Stones are also used as symbols of remembrance. In Joshua 4:7, after crossing the Jordan River, the Israelites set up twelve stones as a memorial: "These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." This act of setting up stones serves as a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and deliverance, encouraging future generations to remember and trust in the Lord. 6. Precious Stones In Revelation, precious stones are used to describe the beauty and glory of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:19-20 details the foundations of the city walls adorned with every kind of precious stone, symbolizing the splendor and perfection of God's eternal kingdom. This imagery conveys the value and magnificence of the divine promise fulfilled. Throughout Scripture, the figurative use of stones provides profound insights into the nature of God, the role of Christ, and the spiritual journey of believers. These metaphors enrich the biblical narrative, offering layers of meaning that continue to inspire and instruct the faithful. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 49:24But his bow stayed in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:) Nave's Topical Index Zechariah 3:9 Library Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone The Figurative Language of Scripture. Christ's Connection with the Creator Shown Many Quotations Out of ... Meditation ii. The Supper-Room. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxi. 19, Where Jesus Dried up ... What it is to have Christ for a Foundation, and who they are to ... Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ... 1 John 5:4-5. victory From the Same First Book. Resources Is it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is God going to give us a white stone with a new name? | GotQuestions.org What is an altar? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Stones of Christ, "A Tested Stone" "A Precious Stone" "A Sure Foundation, " Stones of Christ, the Water of Life Stones of Christ's Rejection, the Rejected Conerstone Stones of Temptation, "Stone of Stumbling" Stones of the Impenitent Heart Stones of the Witness of the Spirit, the White Stone Stones used for Closing Graves Stones used for Weighing (Margin) Stones used in Building Altars Stones: Commandments Engraved Upon Stones: Great, As Landmarks (Some Hebrew Mss Have "Abel") Stones: Great, in Solomon's Temple Stones: Hewers (Stone-Cutters) of Stones: Magnificent, in Herod the Great's Temple Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Precious in the Crowns of Kings Stones: Precious: Exported from Sheba Stones: Precious: Partial Catalogue of Stones: Precious: Seen in the Foundation of the New Jerusalem in John's Apocalyptic Vision Stones: Precious: Voluntary offerings of, by the Israelites for the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Prepared in the Quarries Stones: Symbolical of the Kingdom of Christ Stones: The Law of Moses Written Upon Stones: Thrown Upon Accursed Ground Related Terms |
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