1 Peter 2:4

Observe here, 1. The denomination, or title, given to Christ, he is styled. living stone, and the chief corner-stone.

1. A living stone, that is,. lively stone, no dead foundation;. life-giving stone, having not only life in himself essentially but communicatively, imparting spiritual life to the whole building. Christ is not only an head of authority, but an head of vital influence to all his members; because he lives, they shall live also.

2. He is styled also the chief corner-stone, both in regard of sustentation; the corner-stone supports the whole building, the church's grace, the church's peace, the church's consolation, the church's salvation, are all upheld and maintained by him: and in regard of union, the corner-stone unites, ties, and knits the other stones together, that they should not drop out of the building. Christ alone unites the several stones of the spiritual building to himself, and one another. And this corner-stone is of God's own immediate laying, Behold,. lay in Sion. corner-stone. Christ was first manifested and offered to the church of the Jews, and then to the rest of the world.

Observe, 2. The titles given to believers; 1. They of lively stones are built. spiritual house. Believers are God's temple, dedicated to, and set apart for, his special service, and also enjoying his gracious and special presence. "This is my rest for ever," says God concerning the believer's heart; "here will. dwell, for. have. delight therein."

2. They are an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable through Christ.

Learn hence, that every Christian in this life is. priest, and ought to offer up himself. sacrifice or oblation unto God. In. sacrifice there was. separation of the thing sacrificed from common use; the beast was separated from the rest of the flock, so must the Christian be set apart from the rest of the world. There was an addiction, or dedication, or solemn consecration, of the thing set apart to some holy and special use and purpose: thus the Christian, that presents himself. living sacrifice unto God, does not only separate himself from the sin, the world, and the flesh, but does addict, and devote himself to God, to serve and please him, to honour and glorify him.

Observe, 3. The application which believers make to Christ, in order to their being his spiritual temple, and. royal priesthood. To whom coming as unto. living stone! the particle denotes. continual motion, by which the soul gains ground, and gets nearer and nearer to Christ; they are daily coming by faith to him, and gradually advancing in the knowledge of him, and love unto him.

Observe lastly, The sweet fruit and blessed effect of their faith, Whosoever believeth in him shall not be confounded: that is, not ashamed, as. person who is disappointed of his hopes and expectations; he shall not be ashamed of his choice, he shall not be ashamed of his profession, he shall never be ashamed of the cause and interest of Christ, which he has espoused, and at all times appeared for; nor of the work and service of Christ, nor of the time and pains expended in their work and service: nor shall he ever be ashamed hereafter that he never was ashamed here.