Topical Bible: The Church: Christ, the Foundation-Stone of

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The concept of Christ as the foundation-stone of the Church is a central tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing His pivotal role in the establishment and sustenance of the Church. This imagery is deeply rooted in Scripture, where Christ is depicted as the cornerstone upon which the entire structure of the Church is built.

Biblical Foundation

The metaphor of Christ as the cornerstone is explicitly mentioned in several key passages. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares to Peter, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." While this verse highlights Peter's role, it is Christ Himself who is the ultimate foundation, as further clarified in other scriptural references.

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, Paul underscores that while the apostles and prophets laid the groundwork, it is Christ who is the essential cornerstone, ensuring the stability and unity of the Church.

Old Testament Prophecies

The imagery of the cornerstone is not unique to the New Testament but is also prophesied in the Old Testament. Isaiah 28:16 states, "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 anticipates the coming of Christ as the foundational stone, a theme that is echoed in the New Testament.

Psalm 118:22 further contributes to this imagery: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse is frequently cited in the New Testament, including by Jesus Himself in Matthew 21:42, to illustrate how Christ, though rejected by many, is the essential foundation of God's redemptive plan.

Christ as the Living Stone

In 1 Peter 2:4-6, the Apostle Peter elaborates on this theme: "As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, 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. 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.'" Here, believers are depicted as living stones, being built upon Christ, the living cornerstone, into a spiritual house.

The Role of the Cornerstone

The cornerstone in ancient architecture was the principal stone, often the largest and most solid, placed at the corner of a building to guide the construction of the entire structure. It was crucial for ensuring the building's alignment and stability. Similarly, Christ as the cornerstone signifies His role in aligning the Church with God's purposes and providing the necessary stability and coherence.

Implications for the Church

Understanding Christ as the foundation-stone has profound implications for the Church. It affirms that the Church's existence, growth, and unity are entirely dependent on Christ. As the cornerstone, He is the source of the Church's authority and the standard by which all teachings and practices are measured. This foundational truth calls the Church to remain steadfast in its commitment to Christ, ensuring that all aspects of its life and mission are rooted in Him.

In summary, the depiction of Christ as the foundation-stone of the Church is a powerful biblical metaphor that underscores His central role in the life and mission of the Church. Through this imagery, believers are reminded of the unshakeable foundation upon which their faith is built and the enduring presence of Christ as the cornerstone of their spiritual community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 3:11
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
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 2:4,5
To whom coming, as to a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm 118 Part 3 Christ the Foundation of his Church.
... v.22,23 CM. Christ the foundation of his church. Behold the sure foundation-stone.
Which God in Zion lays,. To build our heav'nly hopes upon,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 118 part 3 christ.htm

Psalm 118:3. 22 23. Third Part. Christ the Foundation of his ...
... Christ the foundation of his church. 1 Behold the sure foundation-stone Which God
in Zion lays To build our heavenly hopes upon, And his eternal praise. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 118 3 0 22 23 third.htm

Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone
... it is Jesus Himself on whom the Church is built. ... poor sinner who confessed it"the
Christ whom that confession set forth, He is the foundation stone, and all ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/living stones on the living.htm

On Laying the Foundation Stone of a Church.
... 8.6.8.6 James Montgomery. On laying the Foundation Stone of a Church. The
ground on which this day we stand,. ... Founded on Christ alone,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn ccxciv on laying the.htm

On Laying the Foundation Stone of a Place of Worship.
... A sure and tried foundation stone,. Lord God, in Zion Thou hast laid; Grounded and
fix'd on Christ alone,. Thy Church shall flourish undismay'd. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn ccxcvi on laying the.htm

'The Chief Corner-Stone'
... of the great unity of the Church, the Apostle ... power and love which gave us Christ,
and it ... that here Jesus is designated as the foundation stone which, standing ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the chief corner-stone.htm

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... iii.11). But the church or kingdom of Christ among men ... the other apostles had equal
rights, each one of them becoming a living foundation stone as soon ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxx third withdrawal from herods 2.htm

I Saw no Temple There
... be religious, and all men destined to become members of the Body of Christ, the
first stone I should lay there would be the foundation-stone of a Church Why? ...
/.../the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/i saw no temple there.htm

Sacred Poems and Hymns
... The Reign of Christ on Earth.--Ps ... of the Society for the furtherance of the Gospel
in the Moravian Church, November 13 ... On laying the Foundation Stone of a Church ...
//christianbookshelf.org/montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/

Hymns of the Holy Eastern Church
... the Holy Mysteries, occupies the eastern end of the church. ... the Bema is built of
stone, Christ being the Head of the Corner, and the Foundation Stone, and is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the holy eastern church/iv.htm