The Outdated Testomony proclaims of a treasured cornerstone that serves as humanity’s non secular basis: Due to this fact thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a basis, a tried stone, a treasured cornerstone, a positive basis” (Isaiah 28:16a). But, Scripture tells us that this treasured stone was initially rejected by the builders: The stone which the builders rejected has change into the chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22).

I as soon as heard an attention-grabbing story in regards to the constructing of Solomon’s Temple. The stones of the Temple had been all quarried off-site and dropped at the Temple Mount, with every stone labeled to indicate the place it match. Quarry staff had carved them in such a means that the blocks interlocked, which means the builders didn’t have to make use of mortar. Because the Temple rose on Mount Moriah, observers heard no sound of hammer or trowel. 

The story goes that one stone arrived with none markings on it. The builders didn’t know the place it went and thought, They’ve made a mistake on the quarry. They’ve despatched us this stone that doesn’t appear to suit anyplace. In order that they forged it apart. Over time, weeds grew and lined the discarded stone. 

Lastly, the time got here when the one piece missing was the chief cornerstone. So the builders despatched a message to the quarry: “Hey, you guys haven’t despatched us the chief cornerstone.” However the quarry staff mentioned they’d already despatched it some time again. A giant dispute arose over the difficulty till somebody lastly stumbled throughout a stone hidden within the weeds—they usually realized that the stone the builders rejected was in actual fact the chief cornerstone. 

What does this imply for us right now? 1 Peter 2:4-5 explains that this stone is Jesus Christ, and that religion in Him is the muse for all believers: Coming to Him as to a dwelling stone, rejected certainly by males, however chosen by God and treasured, you additionally, as dwelling stones, are being constructed up a non secular home, a holy priesthood, to supply up non secular sacrifices acceptable to God via Jesus Christ.

Although Jesus Christ was the stone which the builders rejected—but He’s the Chief Cornerstone of God’s complete plan of redemption. In Him alone can we discover salvation. Solely by religion in Him can we enter into the dominion of God. 

As soon as we place our religion in Jesus, our journey of religion begins. We be taught to belief Him for our wants, for steering, for the whole lot that issues. However we at all times have a alternative: Will we imagine His guarantees and train our religion? Or will we doubt and reject His Phrase and select unbelief? The place are you right now—are you strolling in an angle of religion or unbelief towards Jesus Christ?

Religion or Unbelief?

Religion sees that God’s assist is larger than any pressure that may come towards you. Unbelief appears to be like on the issues and declares it simply can’t be performed. Religion declares: I can do all issues via Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Religion helps the soul to attend when God delays. Unbelief offers up if there may be any tarrying in any respect. However those that wait on the Lord shall renew their power; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and never be weary, they shall stroll and never faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Religion makes our most feeble works acceptable to God via Christ. Unbelief makes even our best works unacceptable, for no matter just isn’t from religion is sin (Romans 14:23b), and with out religion it’s not possible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6a). 

Religion causes us to see Christ as chosen by God and treasured (1 Peter 2:4b). Unbelief sees no magnificence that we should always need Him (Isaiah 53:2b). Religion helps us expertise fullness in Christ. Unbelief results in leanness of soul. 

Religion causes us to see glory within the issues of the unseen world. Now religion is the substance of issues hoped for, the proof of issues not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Unbelief sees solely the distress and the issues of the current, materials world. 

Relaxation and Pleasure in Christ

Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, invitations you to stroll in religion with Him every day. His love for you is certain. His plan for you is treasured. He opens extensive His arms and gives you an invite. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I gives you relaxation” (Matthew 11:28). Come to Him for relaxation right now.

Don’t forged Him apart. Don’t reject Him, because the builders of Solomon’s Temple discarded the chief cornerstone so many centuries in the past. Comply with Him joyfully in full assurance of religion—and be taught for your self the reality of those gorgeous phrases: “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, treasured, and he who believes on Him will under no circumstances be put to disgrace” (1 Peter 2:6b). 

Initially revealed in print Subject 89 of Calvary Chapel Journal

All verses above are quoted from the New King James Model, until in any other case famous.

© 2022 Calvary Chapel Journal (CCM). All rights reserved. Articles or images might not be reproduced with out the written permission of CCM. All Scripture quotations, until in any other case indicated, are taken from the New King James Model. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.® Utilized by permission. 

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