A HolyTemple with Christ the Cornerstone

“For it is through Him that we both [whether far off or near] now have an introduction (access) by one (Holy) Spirit to the Father—so that we are able to approach Him…You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously; and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord—a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated and sacred to the presence of the Lord. In Him—and in fellowship with one another—you yourselves also are being built up [into this structure] with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18, 20-22, Amplified Bible) [Read Ephesians 2:11-22].

Paul wrote in I Corinthians 6:19-20 a question which amplifies and underscores the wonderful idea presented in Ephesians: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (NIV). When I become a Christian, my body is the temple wherein God dwells. And in building up that temple, God has given us the surest of all foundations, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone.

In building, the cornerstone is laid where two walls join together and strengthens them. Symbolically, the cornerstone represents strength and prominence. In Psalm 118:22 and in Isaiah 28:16, the cornerstone is a reference to Christ and His coming to establish the only sure foundation of faith. The Holy Spirit works within the Christian to build up “a spiritual house,” a dwelling place for the very Spirit of God. In seeking to express this great truth of Christ as the Cornerstone, we sing songs and choruses that proclaim this truth. Terry W. York (c1949) wrote “Living Stones” set to the old tune, “Arlington”: “God’s Son, our Rock, our Cornerstone,
/On which we stones must build;/Foundation that is Christ alone,/Each stone in Christ fulfilled.” A much older hymn, translated from 7th century Latin by John Mason Neale (1818-1866) declares: “Christ is made the sure foundation,/Christ our head and cornerstone,/Chosen of the Lord and precious,/Binding all the Church in one,/Holy Zion’s help forever,/And her confidence alone.”

Read the cited passage from Ephesians again. Let its truth permeate your mind.

It is wonderful that, when I become a Christian, I am a “living stone” joined to Christ, the Cornerstone. And the building that results, the Temple of God, is His dwelling place, now and forevermore. If we can really latch on to this marvelous truth and live by it, we will make a difference in the world in which we live!

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Wednesday, June 16, 2010