There are two things that we need to learn from the cornerstone metaphor: 1) Christ was first laid down as the pattern, and 2) there is only one building – Christ is drawing all together. “The cornerstone concept is derived from 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.” 2 The chief cornerstone was “laid so as to give strength to the two walls with which was connected.” 3 So we see here that Christ is the Chief Corner, the first Stone laid as a reference for all other stones used in constructing the building, and it is through Christ that the two walls (the Jews and Gentiles, Ephesians 2:11-13) are drawn together and strengthened into one (Ephesians 2:19). 1 Our quoted passage then goes on to identify Jesus Christ is the “chief corner” of this solid foundation (Ephesians 2:20). Peter confessed: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus confirmed that “upon this rock I will build my ekklesia …” (Matthew 16:16, 18). We read in the passage quoted that we are “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets” – not the men themselves but rather the Message that they brought. This passage follows on the heels of Paul’s explanation that in Christ the separation of Jews and Gentiles has been removed (it was the Law of Moses that separated the Jews) – they are no more two, for He has made them one (Ephesians 2:15).
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22). One of those metaphors is that of a building.
In the Scriptures, God has used several word-pictures to help us to understand the work that He is doing to bring together those who have been chosen in Christ to be His people.
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