The Rock and the Living Stones

Dear Diary,

1 Peter 2:4-10

In the OT and NT Jesus Christ is identified as the Rock/Stone. In Isa 8:14, He's the Stone and Rock that causes men to stumble and fall. Isa 28:16, He's a tested Stone, precious Cornerstone and the one who trusts will not be dismayed. Ps 118:22, He's the rejected capstone. Dan 2:34, He's the supernatural Stone.

As you come to Jesus, you must come with an understanding that He's the Rock, the stable/firm foundation God is building His people and the perfect finish of the church, 1 Peter 2:4.

#The_Priority_of_the_Cornerstone

According to Wikipedia, "Capstone refers to one of the finishing or protective stones that form the top of an exterior masonry wall/building," and "Cornerstone/foundation/setting stone is defined as the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure."

• A cornerstone is a foundational stone that is placed first. By contrast, a capstone is usually the last stone placed in a masonry wall. It holds the completed walls in place. Jesus is both the Cornerstone and the Capstone, the foundation and the perfect finish that holds the building in place.
• Jesus promised to build His church on the Rock (Himself, Christ the Son of the Living God), Matt 16:18.
• Jesus the Cornerstone, is God's firm foundation, carefully chosen, precious, immovable, placed in a position. Whoever builds on this foundation will be established forever and will never be ashamed, 1 Pt 2:6; 1 Cor 3:20; Eph. 2:20.
• When anyone comes to Christ the Living Stone, he becomes a living stone too, and is added into the spiritual house to be a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 2:5.
• The honor for Christians is linked to their union with Christ, v.7.
• Those who refuse to believe in the Living Stone, stumble nd fall, v. 8.

#The_Dignity_of_the_Church_Because_of_Her_Union_With_Christ, v. 5, 9-10.

• Chosen people: God Himself made the intiative to choose the church
• A royal priesthood: the church (you and I) have direct access to God, under obligation to live holy, to offer spiritual sacrifices, and to minister to others. 
• Holy Nation: God's set apart people
• People belonging to God: God owns you and I.
• To declare the praises of God/to make Him known: this is the purpose/goal of God's grace upon our lives

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae