He is - the Chief Cornerstone
Ephesians 2:19–22 (NIV)
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.”
This passage from Ephesians portrays the Church as a spiritual structure, established on the foundational teachings of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. The cornerstone, in ancient construction, was the principal stone that held the structure together—setting its alignment and ensuring its stability. Likewise, Christ is the unifying force and essential support of the Church.
John Gill, in his Bible commentary, writes, “Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; which cements and knits together angels and men, Jews and Gentiles, Old and New Testament saints, saints above, and saints below, saints on earth, in all ages and places, and of every denomination; and which is the beauty and glory, as well as the strength of the building, which keeps all together.” Gill highlights not only Christ’s centrality but also His role in unifying all believers across time, cultures, and covenants.
Because Christ is our cornerstone, we can be assured that the Church will not be shaken. Human error, opposition, or cultural shifts cannot undermine the stability of what He has founded. Though we may stumble individually, the Church stands firm collectively—joined together through Him and indwelt by the Spirit of God. In Him, we are not just part of an institution but members of God’s household, being continually built into a holy dwelling for His presence.
Deb Sherwood