by aginetha josephat | 16 July 2018 08:46 pm07
In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the most important stone in a building. It was a large, precisely cut stone placed at the corner where two walls met. This cornerstone set the foundation for the rest of the building; it ensured the structure was square, stable, and strong. Without this cornerstone, the entire building would be unstable and eventually collapse. Imagine a bicycle or motorcycle without a kickstand—it simply cannot stand on its own.
This cornerstone was not just any stone—it was carefully chosen for its strength and durability, often more valuable than all the other stones combined.
The Bible teaches us that this cornerstone symbolizes Jesus Christ.
In Ephesians 2:20-22 (ESV), Paul explains:
“…you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
This passage reveals profound theological truths:
Jesus Christ is the foundational cornerstone of the Church, the spiritual temple where God dwells.
The apostles and prophets laid the foundation by proclaiming God’s revelation, but Jesus Himself is the essential cornerstone, the one who aligns and holds everything together.
Believers are like living stones, individually and collectively being built into this temple, the dwelling place of God’s Spirit.
The cornerstone is described as “chief” or “main” (Greek: ἀκρογωνιαίος, akrogōniaios), meaning the most crucial stone that determines the building’s shape and stability. Without Jesus as this chief cornerstone, no other spiritual work or human effort can stand firm.
Each person is a builder of their own life. We all make daily choices that shape our spiritual structure. But to build a life that endures, we must choose the right cornerstone. So, the key question is: What is your cornerstone?
Many choose false cornerstones:
Some place their trust in Satan, darkness, and occult practices (witchcraft, superstition). These are temporary, deceptive foundations leading to destruction. The Bible calls Satan “the god of this world” who blinds unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4), but his kingdom is destined to fall.
Others trust in wealth and possessions, thinking material things give life meaning. However, Jesus warns against storing treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21) because such treasures are temporary.
Some rely solely on education, talents, or human wisdom, rejecting the gospel of Christ as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). Yet Scripture shows that true wisdom and salvation come only through Jesus Christ.
The apostle Peter offers a clear contrast between the true cornerstone and rejected stones in 1 Peter 2:4-8 (ESV):
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house… For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’”
He continues:
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.”
This passage highlights:
Jesus was rejected by many (“the builders”), including religious leaders who failed to recognize Him as the Messiah.
Despite rejection, God chose Him as the precious cornerstone upon which salvation and the Church rest.
For those who reject Him, Jesus becomes a “stone of stumbling” — a cause of judgment and downfall.
Building on anything other than Christ is futile and dangerous. People may work hard to build their lives on false foundations, but they will face regret and ruin. The story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) illustrates the eternal consequences of trusting earthly wealth rather than God.
Where are you building your life?
Do you rely on superstition or local traditions when life is hard, ignoring the gospel?
Do you dismiss the message of Jesus as irrelevant or outdated?
Are you putting your faith in your talents, education, or material success?
The Bible warns that rejecting Christ’s cornerstone leads to judgment. But for those who receive Him, He offers forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life.
How can you choose the right cornerstone today?
Repent of trusting false foundations and turn to Jesus Christ in faith.
Accept that He is the Son of God, who died for your sins and rose again (Romans 10:9-10).
Be baptized as a public declaration of your faith (Acts 2:38).
Commit to following Jesus, building your life according to God’s Word and Spirit.
By doing this, you will be part of the living spiritual temple, secure and growing in God’s presence. Jesus Christ will be your firm foundation, unshakable now and forever.
May God bless you as you build your life on the true cornerstone, Jesus Christ.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2018/07/16/choosing-the-right-cornerstone-for-building-your-life/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.