What does it mean that Christ is a stumbling stone?

In Romans 9, Paul discusses Christ as a stumbling stone, which serves both as a foundation for believers and as an obstacle for those who reject Him. This metaphor indicates that Christ's ministry challenges the self-righteousness and works-based approach to salvation, which many have built. His teachings expose the inadequacy of human efforts to achieve righteousness, forcing people to confront their need for divine grace. As a stumbling stone, Christ reflects the reality that while He is the cornerstone for faith and salvation for the elect, He also becomes an offense to those who will not accept His lordship or the necessity of grace. This duality highlights the need for faith in the true Christ as presented in Scripture.