You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but He was chosen by God for great honor.
And you are the living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple. what’s more, you are His holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say,
“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.”
Yes, you who trust in Him recognize the honor God has given Him. But for those who reject him,
“The stone that the builders rejected have now become the cornerstone.”
And,
“He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes people fall.”
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. (vv. 4-8, NLT)
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against you very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world. (vv 11-12, NLT)