Meaning of 1 Peter 2:6

This verse from 1 Peter directly quotes Isaiah 28:16, applying it to Jesus Christ and asserting His foundational role in God's plan for salvation. Peter assures believers that placing their trust in Jesus, the "chosen and precious cornerstone," guarantees them a secure and unshakeable foundation, preventing ultimate disappointment or shame. This promise is rooted in God's sovereign choice and the inherent value and reliability of Jesus, who is the cornerstone upon which the entire edifice of the church and God's kingdom is built.

Context and Background

First Peter was written by the Apostle Peter to Christians who were experiencing persecution and facing various trials. In this context, Peter aims to strengthen their faith and remind them of their identity in Christ and the ultimate certainty of their salvation. By referencing Isaiah, Peter connects the present suffering of believers to a long-standing prophetic promise that finds its fulfillment in Jesus. Isaiah's original prophecy spoke of God laying a sure foundation in Zion, a promise that was initially rejected by some but would ultimately be the basis of security for the faithful.

Key Themes and Messages

• Jesus as the Cornerstone: The central message is the unique and indispensable role of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a stone, but the "chosen and precious cornerstone." This signifies that He is divinely selected by God, highly valued, and essential for the stability and integrity of the spiritual building (the Church, and by extension, the redeemed community).
• Foundational Security: The verse offers a profound assurance of security. Those who "trust in him" are promised that they will "never be put to shame." This means their faith will not be in vain, and they will not experience ultimate condemnation or disappointment because their hope is anchored in the reliable person and work of Christ.
• Divine Election and Value: The terms "chosen" and "precious" highlight God's deliberate selection of Jesus for this role and His immense worth in God's eyes and in the salvation of humanity.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse is a powerful reminder of the certainty of their salvation. In times of doubt, hardship, or societal pressure, the "precious cornerstone" of Jesus Christ provides an unyielding foundation. Trusting in Him means relying on His finished work on the cross, His resurrection, and His ongoing intercession. It implies a commitment of faith and obedience, knowing that such trust leads to ultimate vindication and glory, not shame. This assurance encourages perseverance in faith, even amidst adversity.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a pivotal point in understanding the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament. The imagery of a cornerstone is found in other Old Testament passages, such as Psalm 118:22 ("The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone") and Isaiah 8:14. Peter, by explicitly linking this prophecy to Jesus, demonstrates that Jesus is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, the one whom God Himself has established as the foundation for His people and His kingdom. It underscores the continuity of God's covenant faithfulness from the Old Testament to the New.

Analogies

• Architectural Cornerstone: Imagine a grand building. The cornerstone is the first stone laid, carefully measured and positioned. It dictates the alignment of all subsequent stones, ensuring the structural integrity of the entire edifice. If the cornerstone is flawed or misplaced, the whole building is compromised. Jesus, as the cornerstone, is the foundation upon which the Church is built; His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection ensure its stability.
• Anchor: A ship at sea needs a strong anchor to remain secure in a storm. Jesus is the anchor of our souls, preventing us from being swept away by the turbulent waves of life's challenges and temptations. Our trust in Him keeps us firmly grounded.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalm 118:22: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This Old Testament psalm, frequently referenced in the New Testament (e.g., by Jesus in Matthew 21:42 and by Peter in Acts 4:11), directly anticipates Jesus' rejection by human leaders but His ultimate elevation by God as the essential foundation.
• Ephesians 2:20: "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." This verse echoes 1 Peter 2:6, further solidifying the understanding of Jesus as the supreme foundation of the Church, built upon the teachings of the apostles and prophets.
• 1 Peter 2:4-5: These preceding verses speak of Jesus as a "living stone" to whom believers also come, being "built up as a spiritual house." This passage sets the stage for the "cornerstone" imagery, emphasizing that believers are incorporated into a living structure with Christ at its center.
• Romans 9:33: Quoting Isaiah 28:16, Paul also speaks of Christ as a "stone of stumbling and a rock of offense," highlighting that while He is a sure foundation for believers, He is also a source of judgment for those who reject Him.