The concept of the "rejected cornerstone" is a significant theme in both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing the rejection and ultimate exaltation of Jesus Christ. This imagery is rooted in ancient construction practices, where the cornerstone was the principal stone, crucial for the stability and alignment of the entire structure. In biblical theology, the cornerstone metaphorically represents Christ as the foundation of the Church and the faith of believers.

Old Testament Foundations

The prophecy of the rejected cornerstone is first found in Psalm 118:22: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse is part of a messianic psalm, traditionally understood as a prophetic reference to the coming Messiah. The builders, representing the leaders and people of Israel, are depicted as rejecting the stone, which God has chosen to be the cornerstone.

Isaiah 28:16 further develops this theme: "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.'" Here, the cornerstone is described as a foundation laid by God Himself, emphasizing its divine selection and reliability.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament writers explicitly identify Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the cornerstone prophecy. In the Gospels, Jesus applies this imagery to Himself. In Matthew 21:42, Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23 to the religious leaders: "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"?'"

The Apostle Peter, in his address to the Sanhedrin, reiterates this identification in Acts 4:11: "This Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'" Peter emphasizes that salvation is found in no one else, underscoring the centrality of Christ as the foundation of faith.

In his first epistle, Peter further elaborates on this theme, encouraging believers to come to Christ as "a living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight" (1 Peter 2:4). He exhorts the faithful to be "like living stones" built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:5-6).

The Apostle Paul also affirms this cornerstone imagery in Ephesians 2:20, where he describes the Church as "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone."

Theological Significance

The rejection of the cornerstone by the builders symbolizes the rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders and many of His contemporaries. Despite this rejection, God exalted Christ, making Him the cornerstone of a new spiritual edifice—the Church. This theme highlights the paradox of divine election and human rejection, where what is dismissed by human wisdom is chosen by God for His redemptive purposes.

The cornerstone metaphor serves as a powerful reminder of the centrality of Christ in the life of the believer and the Church. It calls Christians to align their lives with Christ, the sure foundation, and to recognize that true stability and salvation are found only in Him.Psalm 118:22
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
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Matthew 21:42-44
Jesus said to them, Did you never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?
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Mark 12:10
And have you not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
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Luke 20:17,18
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
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Acts 4:11
This is the stone which was set at nothing of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
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1 Peter 2:4
To whom coming, as to a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
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What does it mean that Jesus and believers are living stones in 1 Peter 2:4-5? | GotQuestions.org

Why did David choose five smooth stones before going to fight Goliath? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that “the rocks will cry out” in Luke 19:40? | GotQuestions.org

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