“Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” (Eph 2:20)

The house of God is built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone. The definition of the cornerstone from Wikipedia: “The cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. All other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.”

Through salvation, which is by grace, through faith, not by works, an individual becomes a fellow citizen of God’s household, which is a new society. The cross provides forgiveness of sins, a new life, and a new person. All people who have received salvation are united in Christ Jesus, beyond ethnic, social and sexual distinctions. In God’s new society, Christ is the head. The body of Christ, the church, grows and builds itself up in love. Maturity and unity are twin goals for the church. All members help each other in the process of growing into maturity.

“you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1Pet 2:5)

Jesus Christ is the foundation stone that determines the placement of all living stones. God has chosen us in order to transform us in Christ so that we may walk in a new way of life and carry out good works. In the house of God, we are all part of this family, and we all have a part to play in the work of the church. The Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation and center of our faith. Despite our diversity, we can be joined together in unity by sharing the same faith in Jesus Christ. We are being fitted together by God until the entire building grows into a holy temple. Thus, the church needs to work towards spiritual maturity and unity in faith. As a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, we need to seek to live a sanctified life and offer up spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to God. We also need to submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all areas of church ministry.

Those who reject the chief cornerstone stumble over it and will be destroyed. As part of the house of God, we need to keep our focus aligned to Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.