The term "capstone" is often used in biblical literature to describe a key element in construction, symbolizing completion and perfection. In the context of Scripture, it carries significant theological implications, particularly in relation to Jesus Christ and His role in God's redemptive plan.

Old Testament References

The concept of the capstone is rooted in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with the cornerstone. In Psalm 118:22, the psalmist declares, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse is a prophetic reference to the Messiah, who, though rejected by His own people, becomes the foundation of God's salvific work. The Hebrew term used here can also be translated as "capstone," indicating the stone that completes and crowns the structure.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the imagery of the capstone is explicitly applied to Jesus Christ. In Matthew 21:42, Jesus Himself cites Psalm 118:22, saying, "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'?" Here, Jesus identifies Himself as the rejected stone that becomes the essential element of God's kingdom.

The Apostle Peter further elaborates on this theme in Acts 4:11, stating, "This Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'" Peter emphasizes that Jesus, though rejected by the religious leaders, is the pivotal figure in God's plan for salvation. Similarly, in 1 Peter 2:7, he writes, "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.'"

Theological Significance

The capstone, as a symbol, underscores the paradox of Christ's ministry: rejection leading to exaltation. It highlights the divine reversal where the rejected Messiah becomes the foundation of the Church. This imagery is not only a testament to Christ's identity but also a call to faith. Believers are urged to recognize Jesus as the capstone of their faith, the one who completes and perfects their spiritual lives.

In Ephesians 2:20-22, the Apostle Paul writes, "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit." Here, the capstone imagery is expanded to include the entire community of believers, who are being built into a spiritual house with Christ as the unifying and completing element.

Conclusion

The capstone, as depicted in Scripture, is a profound symbol of Christ's central role in God's redemptive work. It serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the establishment of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ. As the capstone, Christ is both the foundation and the completion of the faith, calling believers to build their lives upon Him.