What Kind Of Rock is Christ Crucified to You?
1Peter 2:1-8
Introduction
Rocks are inanimate objects that can be seen in various ways.To some rocks are great tools of construction to build houses, bridges, and walls. To others they are tools of destruction as weapons and devices of execution. To some they are a firm foundation in which to build upon. To others they are merely in the way of the path they choose to take(example-Road builders needing to remove a mountain for their new highway).
In 1Peter 2:1-8 Christ crucified is the Rock. So today we are going to look at what kind of Rock He is according to scripture. As we do examine yourself and see which kind of Rock he is to you.
1. The Smitten Rock
"Smitten that the Spirit of life may flow from Him to all who will drink." C.I. Scofield
In Exodus 17:6 and confirmed in 1Corinthians 10:4 we see that He is the Rock that brings forth life giving water. What was life giving to the Israelites in the desert was a picture of Christ's, the "Smitten Rock", eternal life given to all who believe in Him.
2. The Cheif Corner Stone
To the church this Rock is the foundation and chief corner stone.
Ephesians 2:20
3. The Stumbling Stone
To the Jews at His first coming a "stone of stumbling and Rock of offence"
Romans 9:32-33 1Corinthians 1:23
They could not see Him humbling himself and dieing on a cross for sin. Instead they thought the messiah was to rule and reign, but that was not what he came for the first time.
To many today he has become a stumbling stone and rock of offence. People can not see that he is the only way. And see Him as only in the way.
4. The Headstone of the Corner
To the redeemed of Israel he will become at His second coming The Headstone of the Corner
Zechariah 4:7
5. The Smiting Stone
To the Gentile world-power he will become no longer the smitten Rock but the smiting stone "cut out without hands" Daniel 2:34
6. The Divine Stone
After the stone has crushed the Gentile world-power, He is to grow and fill the earth(Millennial Kingdom) Daniel 2:35
7. The Crushing Stone
To all unbelievers He is the crushing stone of Judgement.
Matthew 21:44 Revelation 20:11-15
Conclusion
So how do you see this Rock?