What does it mean for Jesus to be the cornerstone?

When Jesus is referred to as the cornerstone, it symbolizes His primary role in the foundation of faith. In biblical architecture, the cornerstone is the first stone set during the building process, determining the position of the entire structure. Ephesians 2:19-20 refers to Christ as the cornerstone of the church, indicating that all church doctrine and unity are established upon Him. This teaching emphasizes that for a believer, Jesus can never be merely an accessory; He is central to our identity, our justification, and our spiritual lives. Therefore, understanding Jesus as the cornerstone reveals the necessity of our total dependence on Him for both salvation and sustenance.