Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, stones often carry significant symbolic meaning, particularly in relation to the Kingdom of Christ. Throughout Scripture, stones are used to represent strength, permanence, and divine intervention, all of which are key characteristics of Christ's eternal kingdom.Daniel's Vision of the Stone One of the most prominent examples of stones symbolizing the Kingdom of Christ is found in the Book of Daniel. In Daniel 2:34-35, the prophet interprets King Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a great statue composed of various materials. A stone "cut out without hands" strikes the statue, shattering it, and then grows into a mountain that fills the whole earth. This stone represents the Kingdom of God, which will ultimately triumph over all earthly kingdoms. Daniel 2:44 states, "In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever." The Cornerstone In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is frequently referred to as the cornerstone, a foundational stone that holds a structure together. This imagery is rooted in Old Testament prophecy, such as Isaiah 28:16 : "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.'" The Apostle Peter reiterates this in 1 Peter 2:6-7 , identifying Jesus as the cornerstone: "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." Living Stones Believers themselves are 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 metaphor emphasizes the communal and spiritual nature of the Church, which is built upon the foundation of Christ, the cornerstone. Each believer, as a living stone, contributes to the edifice of the Church, the body of Christ on earth. Stones of Remembrance Stones also serve as symbols of remembrance and testimony to God's faithfulness and power. In Joshua 4:6-7 , the Israelites set up twelve stones taken from the Jordan River as a memorial: "These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." This act of setting up stones as a witness to God's mighty acts foreshadows the enduring testimony of Christ's kingdom, which is built upon the remembrance of His death and resurrection. The Stone of Stumbling While Christ is the cornerstone for believers, He is also described as a "stone of stumbling" for those who reject Him. Romans 9:32-33 explains, "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.'" This dual symbolism highlights the decisive nature of Christ's kingdom, which offers salvation to those who accept Him and judgment to those who do not. In summary, stones in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of the Kingdom of Christ, representing its divine origin, enduring strength, and the pivotal role of Jesus as the cornerstone of faith. Through these symbols, Scripture communicates the transformative and eternal nature of Christ's reign. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 2:34,45You saw till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image on his feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them to pieces. Nave's Topical Index Library Scriptural Types. Proof against the Marcionites, that the Prophets Referred in all ... High Priest Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ... The Trial by Fire Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and ... Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... The Worship of the Synagogue God's Fellow-Workers The Manifestation of the Messiah Resources What does the Bible say about stoning? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any spiritual significance to birthstones? | GotQuestions.org What was the purpose of Stonehenge? | 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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