Stones in God’s Temple
August 12, 2020
Commentary
Peter says,"to whom coming, as unto a living stone” (v. 4). The first step in living a holy life is fellowship with Jesus Christ who is the living stone (v. 5). Christ is not only living but gives life to believers. Christ was rejected by men; however, God had chosen Him and held Him precious. Believers in Christ are also rejected by the world; however, they are valued by God. As the believer becomes more like unto Christ, the living stone, then are they being built into a spiritual house. Peter wrote this to believers living in five different provinces, yet he says they are belonging to “a spiritual house.”
Christ is chosen as the precious chief corner stone (v. 6). The corner stone is the support which the rest of the building depends on for stability. Christ is ultimate value to believers but those who reject Christ will ultimately face Him as their judge (v. 7). All disobedient unbelievers are destined to eternal condemnation forever (v. 8). How important the message of salvation is today to all who will receive Christ. God is building a temple out of the living stones (Eph. 2:19-22), and we are privileged to be part of it. We are built on Christ, so there is no way the temple can be destroyed.
Application
Are there some neighbors, friends, or relatives who need Christ today? I need to do what I can to point them to the living Christ.
1 Peter 2:4– 8 (NET)
4 So as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, 5 you yourselves, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood and to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it says in scripture, “Look, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and whoever believes in him will never be put to shame.” 7 So you who believe see his value, but for those who do not believe, the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, 8 and a stumbling-stone and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.