CHRIST THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE

CHRIST THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

MAIN TEXT: Ephesians 2:19-22

KEY VERSE: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” — Ephesians 2:20 (KJV)

SUPPORTING TEXTS: Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-7; Colossians 1:15-18.

DESCRIPTION: This message reveals the central place of Jesus Christ in God's redemptive plan and teaches believers how to align their lives, families, and ministries with Him as the chief cornerstone.

INTRODUCTION

In building construction, the cornerstone occupies a position of great importance. It helps establish the alignment and stability of the structure. When the cornerstone is correctly positioned, the rest of the building can be aligned with it. But when the foundation is defective, the entire structure is placed at risk. In the same way, the strength and stability of our spiritual lives depend on our relationship with Jesus Christ.

In Ephesians 2:19-22, Apostle Paul describes believers as members of God's household and living parts of a spiritual building. He explains that this building rests upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. The apostles and prophets bear witness to God's revealed truth, but Christ occupies the supreme position. He determines the identity, direction, unity, and purpose of the Church. Without Him, the Church cannot fulfil its divine mission.

Today, many people build their lives around money, education, family background, human connections, religious traditions, or personal achievements. Although these things may have their place, none can replace Jesus Christ. A life that is not properly aligned with Him will eventually experience spiritual instability. God is calling us to make Christ the centre of our faith, the authority over our decisions, the Lord of our families, and the foundation of everything we do.

1. JESUS CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SALVATION

The first and most important truth about Christ as the chief cornerstone is that our salvation rests upon Him alone. Christianity is not founded upon human philosophy, good works, religious ceremonies, or the achievements of religious leaders. It is founded upon the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

No sinner can save himself through personal effort. Humanity's greatest need is reconciliation with God, and Jesus accomplished this through His death and resurrection. Therefore, every believer must establish his or her faith upon Christ rather than upon personal merit or religious activity.

a) Salvation Is Found in Christ Alone (Acts 4:12) – “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Jesus is not merely one of many possible ways to God; He is the divinely appointed Saviour. Good deeds, church attendance, charitable activities, and religious titles cannot replace personal faith in Him. We must repent of our sins, trust in His finished work, and confess Him as Lord.

b) Christ Is the Only Foundation That Can Sustain Us (1 Corinthians 3:11) – Paul declares that no other foundation can be laid apart from Jesus Christ. Human achievements may bring temporary recognition, but they cannot secure eternal life. When our confidence rests upon Christ, we possess a foundation that remains secure even when our circumstances change. We must continually depend on His grace rather than trust in our own righteousness.

c) Christ Reconciles Us to God (Romans 5:1) – Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are justified and have peace with God. Sin separated humanity from God, but Christ made reconciliation possible through His sacrifice. The believer no longer needs to live under the condemnation of the past but can walk in the assurance of God's forgiveness and acceptance. This peace becomes the foundation for a transformed life.

d) Christ Gives Us a New Beginning (2 Corinthians 5:17) – Anyone who is in Christ is a new creature; old things have passed away, and all things have become new. Coming to Christ is more than joining a religious organisation; it is entering a new relationship with God. The believer receives a new identity, a new direction, and a new purpose. The past may explain where we came from, but it does not have to determine where God will lead us.

Biblical Example: The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-22)

Saul was a persecutor of the Church who believed he was serving God by opposing followers of Jesus. When he encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, his life changed completely. He became a servant of the very Lord he had persecuted. His transformation demonstrates that Christ is able to save, redirect, and use anyone who genuinely surrenders to Him. A life built upon Christ can experience a new beginning regardless of its past.

2. CHRIST MUST BE THE CENTRE OF EVERYTHING WE DO

A cornerstone establishes alignment. In the same way, Jesus Christ must determine the direction of our thoughts, choices, relationships, ambitions, and activities. It is not enough to acknowledge Christ with our lips while allowing other things to control our lives.

When Christ occupies His rightful place, our priorities begin to change. We seek His will above personal convenience, His approval above human applause, and His glory above selfish ambition. A Christian life that is properly aligned with Christ will increasingly reflect His character and teachings.

a) Christ Must Have Pre-eminence in Our Lives (Colossians 1:18) – Scripture declares that Christ should have the pre-eminence in all things. He must not be confined to Sunday worship or occasional prayers; He must govern our daily living. Our work, finances, relationships, plans, and private conduct should all come under His lordship. We honour Christ when we allow His Word to guide our decisions even when obedience is difficult.

b) Christ Must Govern Our Decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6) – We are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean entirely upon our own understanding. When Christ is our cornerstone, we seek His wisdom before making important decisions. We do not allow emotions, pressure, fear, or the opinions of others to overrule the clear principles of Scripture. We pray, seek godly counsel, examine the Word, and choose the path that honours God.

c) Christ Must Shape Our Character (Philippians 2:5) – Paul calls believers to have the mind that was in Christ Jesus. Our lives should reflect His humility, compassion, obedience, patience, and love. A person cannot claim to be properly built upon Christ while continually embracing pride, dishonesty, unforgiveness, and selfishness without repentance. The Holy Spirit works in us to make our character increasingly resemble that of our Lord.

d) Christ Must Be Glorified Through Our Activities (1 Corinthians 10:31) – Whether we eat, drink, or do anything else, we are instructed to do all to God's glory. This means that our daily work, family responsibilities, ministry activities, and relationships should honour Christ. We must ask not only whether something is profitable or convenient but also whether it glorifies God. A Christ-centred life makes the Lord visible through practical conduct.

Biblical Example: Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1:8-20)

Daniel lived in a foreign environment where the culture and expectations around him could have compromised his devotion to God. Yet he purposed in his heart not to defile himself. His commitment to God's standards remained firm even when he was far from his homeland. Daniel's example teaches us that when the Lord governs our convictions, we can remain faithful even in environments that do not share our beliefs.

3. CHRIST IS THE CORNERSTONE OF THE CHURCH

The Church belongs to Jesus Christ. He purchased it with His blood, leads it as its Head, and commissions it to make disciples of all nations. Pastors, elders, deacons, teachers, and other leaders have important responsibilities, but none of them replaces Christ as the supreme authority over the Church.

When a church places human personalities, traditions, wealth, or popularity above Christ, it risks losing sight of its divine mission. A healthy congregation must remain grounded in Scripture, dependent on the Holy Spirit, committed to holiness, and focused on the work of the gospel.

a) Christ Is the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22-23) – God has placed all things under Christ's feet and given Him to be the Head over all things to the Church. This means that the Church must submit to His authority. Church leaders should lead according to biblical principles rather than personal ambition, and members should seek to honour Christ in their service. No leader is greater than the Lord who purchased the Church.

b) Christ Determines the Message of the Church (1 Corinthians 2:2) – Paul declared that he had determined to know nothing among the Corinthians except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The Church must proclaim the gospel faithfully. Messages about prosperity, success, healing, breakthrough, and victory must never displace the central truth of Christ's death and resurrection. Our preaching should lead people to repentance, faith, holiness, discipleship, and a deeper relationship with the Lord.

c) Christ Is the Source of the Church's Unity (Ephesians 2:14-16) – Jesus Christ is our peace, having broken down the dividing wall of hostility through His cross. The Church includes people from different backgrounds, cultures, social positions, and personal experiences. These differences must not become excuses for division. As we submit to Christ, we learn to forgive, respect one another, and work together for the advancement of God's kingdom.

d) Christ Empowers the Church for Its Mission (Matthew 28:18-20) – Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him, and He commissioned His followers to make disciples of all nations. The Church does not fulfil its mission through human ability alone but by depending on Christ's authority and presence. We must preach the gospel, teach the Scriptures, disciple new believers, and serve our communities in His name.

Biblical Example: The Early Church at Jerusalem (Acts 2:42-47)

The early Church devoted itself to apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Believers cared for one another, worshipped together, and shared their resources to meet genuine needs. Their life together reflected the transforming power of the risen Christ. Their example reminds us that a congregation built upon Christ must demonstrate biblical truth, spiritual devotion, practical love, and a commitment to God's mission.

4. CHRIST IS THE STONE REJECTED BY MEN BUT CHOSEN BY GOD

Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus faced rejection from religious authorities and other influential people. They questioned His authority, opposed His teaching, and eventually arranged for His crucifixion. Yet the rejection of men did not cancel God's purpose. The One whom the builders rejected became the chief cornerstone.

This truth teaches us that human rejection does not necessarily mean divine rejection. Believers must not measure their worth solely by popularity, applause, or acceptance. Our responsibility is to remain faithful to Christ and trust God's judgement above the changing opinions of people.

a) Human Rejection Cannot Cancel God's Purpose (Psalm 118:22) – The psalmist declares that the stone rejected by the builders has become the head of the corner. This prophecy finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ. Those who rejected Him failed to understand His place in God's plan, but their opposition could not overthrow the divine purpose. We must continue obeying God even when our faith is misunderstood or opposed.

b) Jesus Was Rejected but Vindicated by God (Acts 2:23-24) – Jesus was crucified through the actions of wicked men, but God raised Him from the dead. The resurrection demonstrated that death could not defeat God's redemptive purpose. When we face opposition for doing what is right, we can remain confident that human resistance cannot overturn God's sovereign plan. Our hope rests in the risen Christ.

c) We Must Not Depend on Human Approval (Galatians 1:10) – Paul explains that a servant of Christ cannot make pleasing people the supreme goal of life. Seeking acceptance at any cost can lead us to compromise truth and abandon godly convictions. We should treat people with love and respect, but our highest allegiance belongs to the Lord. Faithfulness to Christ must be more important than popularity.

d) Christ Is Precious to Those Who Believe (1 Peter 2:6-7) – Scripture teaches that the person who believes in Christ will not be put to shame, while Christ is precious to believers. Those who recognise His true identity understand that He is worth more than the approval of the world. We must cherish Him, trust Him, and build our lives upon His promises. Our confidence should not be shaken by the opinions of those who do not understand our faith.

Biblical Example: Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 37:18-28; 41:39-44)

Joseph was hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery. Later, he was falsely accused and imprisoned. Yet the rejection and injustice he experienced did not prevent God from accomplishing His purpose through him. In time, Joseph was elevated to a position of authority in Egypt and became an instrument of preservation for many lives. His story illustrates how God can fulfil His purposes despite human opposition, although every believer's journey will be different.

5. CHRIST PROVIDES A FOUNDATION THAT ENDURES EVERY STORM

A strong foundation does not mean that a building will never experience storms. It means that the building has the support necessary to withstand the pressures that come against it. Likewise, building upon Christ does not exempt believers from hardship, persecution, disappointment, or temptation. It gives them a secure basis for enduring these experiences in faith.

Many people appear spiritually strong when everything is going well. The real test often comes when prayers seem unanswered, resources become limited, relationships are strained, or opposition increases. Those who build upon Christ must learn to stand on His Word and remain obedient regardless of changing circumstances.

a) The Word of Christ Makes Us Spiritually Stable (Matthew 7:24-25) – Jesus compared the person who hears and obeys His words to a wise man who built his house upon a rock. Rain descended, floods came, and winds blew, but the house remained standing. The strength of the house was connected to the foundation beneath it. We must not merely hear sermons; we must practise what Christ teaches in our homes, workplaces, relationships, and ministries.

b) Faith Must Remain Firm During Trials (James 1:2-4) – James teaches that the testing of our faith produces patience and that patience helps us become mature. Trials can expose areas where our faith needs strengthening, but they can also develop endurance as we trust God. Rather than abandoning our convictions under pressure, we should seek His wisdom, remain obedient, and allow Him to deepen our spiritual maturity.

c) God's Promises Strengthen Our Hope (2 Corinthians 1:20) – The promises of God find their fulfilment in Christ. This does not mean that God will grant every personal desire exactly as we imagine, but it assures us that His purposes and faithfulness remain trustworthy. When circumstances are uncertain, we can continue to trust God's character and follow His Word. Our hope is not based on wishful thinking but on the faithfulness of the Lord.

d) We Must Remain Steadfast Until the End (1 Corinthians 15:58) – Paul urges believers to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Christian faithfulness is not a temporary response to a moving sermon or a successful season. It is a lifelong commitment to Christ. We must continue to pray, serve, love, obey, and trust God until we finish the race He has set before us.

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:22-34)

Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Despite their painful circumstances, they prayed and sang praises to God at midnight. Their circumstances did not silence their faith. God intervened, an earthquake shook the prison, and the jailer eventually heard the gospel with his household. Their experience teaches us that a life founded on Christ can continue to worship and witness even in painful circumstances.

6. WE MUST ALIGN OUR LIVES WITH THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE

Knowing that Christ is the chief cornerstone must lead to practical change. We cannot claim that Jesus is the foundation of our lives while deliberately building upon principles that contradict His Word. Every area of our lives must be brought into alignment with His authority.

This alignment requires daily surrender, a willingness to be corrected, commitment to biblical fellowship, and obedience to the Holy Spirit. God is not merely interested in giving us a religious identity; He wants to shape us into people whose lives reflect the character and purposes of Christ.

a) Align Your Thinking with the Word of God (Romans 12:2) – Believers must not be conformed to the pattern of this world but transformed by the renewing of their minds. The thoughts we entertain influence our decisions and behaviour. We must reject ideas that contradict Scripture and cultivate thoughts that are true, pure, honourable, and pleasing to God. A renewed mind helps us recognise and follow His will.

b) Align Your Relationships with Christ's Teachings (Ephesians 4:31-32) – Bitterness, anger, slander, and malice must give way to kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Our relationships reveal whether Christ's character is being formed in us. Although forgiveness does not mean excusing wrongdoing or abandoning wise boundaries, it does mean refusing to let bitterness govern our hearts. We must seek peace wherever possible and handle disagreements in a manner that honours Christ.

c) Align Your Service with God's Purpose (1 Peter 4:10) – Every believer has received gifts that should be used to serve others as a faithful steward of God's grace. We must discover our responsibilities and perform them diligently. Whether our service is public or private, prominent or unnoticed, we should offer it to God with sincerity. The goal is not personal recognition but the glory of Jesus Christ.

d) Align Your Future with God's Will (Proverbs 16:3) – Scripture teaches us to commit our works to the Lord. Planning is not wrong, but our plans must remain subject to God's wisdom and direction. We should seek His guidance for our family, career, ministry, finances, and future. When we submit our ambitions to Him, we become more prepared to follow His leading and adjust our plans when necessary.

Biblical Example: Abraham's Obedience (Genesis 12:1-4)

God called Abraham to leave his country, his kindred, and his father's house for a land He would show him. Abraham obeyed without knowing every detail of the journey. His response demonstrated trust in God's direction. Likewise, building our lives upon Christ requires us to obey His Word even when we cannot see the entire path ahead.

CONCLUSION

Jesus Christ is not merely a stone in God's building; He is the chief cornerstone. He is the foundation of our salvation, the centre of the Church, the standard for our conduct, and the One who gives stability to our faith. The apostles and prophets bear witness to God's revealed truth, but Christ remains supreme over all. Every believer must examine the foundation of his or her life and ensure that faith rests upon Jesus Christ rather than human approval, material possessions, religious appearances, or personal achievements.

Today, determine to align your life with the chief cornerstone. Let His Word govern your thoughts, His Spirit guide your decisions, His love shape your relationships, and His mission direct your service. If you have not received Him as Saviour, turn to Him in repentance and faith. If you are already a believer, remain rooted in Him and help strengthen others in the household of God. As you build upon Christ, may your faith remain steadfast, your life bear lasting fruit, and your service bring glory to His name.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, establish my life firmly upon Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone, and remove every false foundation, in Jesus name.

2. Lord Jesus, take Your rightful place in my heart, family, decisions, and ministry, in Jesus name.

3. Father, align my thoughts, desires, ambitions, and actions with Your Word, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from the fear of rejection and give me courage to remain faithful to Your truth, in Jesus name.

5. Father, strengthen my faith so that I will remain standing through every storm of life, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, protect Your Church from false teachings, division, pride, and every influence that displaces Christ from His rightful place, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me use my spiritual gifts faithfully to strengthen Your Church and serve others, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me the grace to forgive, love, and live in unity with other believers, in Jesus name.

9. Father, make my life a living testimony of Your grace, truth, holiness, and power, in Jesus name.

10. Lord Jesus, keep me firmly established in You until the end of my journey, and let my life bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall be firmly established in Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone, and your faith shall not be swept away by the storms and challenges of life.

2. Your life shall increasingly reflect the character of Christ, and your decisions shall be guided by the wisdom and truth of God's Word.

3. You shall receive grace to overcome the fear of rejection, and you shall remain faithful to God even when your convictions are unpopular.

4. Your family shall be strengthened as you build your home upon biblical principles, prayer, love, forgiveness, and obedience to the Lord.

5. You shall grow in spiritual maturity, discernment, and steadfastness, and you shall not be easily deceived by teachings that contradict Scripture.

6. Your gifts and abilities shall find meaningful expression in God's service, and your life shall become a blessing to the Church and the people around you.

7. You shall become an instrument of unity, encouragement, and restoration, helping to strengthen others in the household of God.

8. In seasons of difficulty, you shall receive grace to trust the Lord, remain obedient, and continue to bear witness to His faithfulness.

9. Your labour in the Lord shall not be in vain; as you remain faithful to Christ, your life shall produce fruit that honours Him.

10. You shall remain rooted in Christ, grow in His grace, finish your race faithfully, and bring glory to God through your life and service.