Summary Lesson 1: Intro to the Doctrine and Covenants

Jesus Christ Chief Corner Stone

Who is the Stone? “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” (Psalm 118:22) “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.” (Isaiah 28:16) “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?” (Matthew 21:42)

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)

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Earthly Building with a Heavenly Cornerstone; picture a building fitly framed with all parts of it functioning and without apparent holes or breaks in it. From a western building style architectural view, a cornerstone really cannot be removed and the building still remain “fitly framed.” Therefore, picture an eastern building style, a pyramid. Its chief cornerstone is the capstone. It can be removed and the building is still “fitly framed.” A U.S. one dollar bill has that image with the top, cap or chief cornerstone shown with rays beaming forth from an all-seeing eye. The pyramid also has twelve blocks as its foundation.

The imagery continues into the family. As children start their own family, the parents are “removed” from their former role yet still maintain a spiritual influence through their previous teaching, prayers and spiritual influence on their children. The unity of the family can still be imaged as “fitly framed.” Sustaining the Lord as the Chief Cornerstone and following His instructions to defend ourselves with His words in these latter days, we can protect our families inside and outside of the home.