Cornerstone – Jesus is the Rock Song Story

The main reason I write worship songs like Cornerstone Jesus is the Rock is to be a blessing and resource for the Christian church. As I ponder about the song Cornerstone Jesus is the Rock here are some answers to questions that hopefully share the song’s story.

This song is inspired by scriptures found in the Bible. When a building is constructed one of the most important elements is the cornerstone. This is the first piece that is placed down. It is important because it become the primary reference for the entire building. If the cornerstone is placed incorrectly it will affect the integrity of the the building. The cornerstone is this song refers to Jesus.

Jesus is the chief cornerstone upon which the church is built. Unfortunately, for unbelievers the cornerstone becomes a rock or offence or a stumbling block. During the time when Jesus was on earth the religious leaders eyes where blinded and were unable to see Jesus for who he was. Jesus brought salvation to the world. But for the religious leader Jesus was offensive and a stumbling block and the adamantly rejected Him. This resulted in the the most heinous earthly punishment of crucifixion.

This song is about in individuals today and their relation and belief in Jesus. For the believer there is great comfort, for the non believer it is a warning.

Song Lyrics

[VERSE 1]

True to the Word this stone   refused,
By the builders, was the Rock of Israel.
So, don’t pass by and ignore this rock
Or you will stumble trip and fall.

[CHORUS]

Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Jesus is the Rock
Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Upon this Rock I'll stand.

[VERSE 2]

Be not ashamed, never run away,
In your belief in the Rock of Israel.
So, don’t pass by and ignore this Rock
Or you will stumble, trip and fall.

[CHORUS]

Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Jesus is the Rock
Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Upon this Rock I'll stand.

[Bridge]

Build on this Rock
Be firm in your faith   ​
and You will know the Lord.

[CHORUS]

Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Jesus is the Rock
Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Upon this Rock I'll stand.

Why I wrote Cornerstone – Jesus is the Rock?

This song was inspired while reading the bible. While reading the theme of the cornerstone caught my attention. There is a visual image of this special rock called the cornerstone. It this the most important part of the building. It is the very first stone that is laid on the the foundation. Everything about this stone determine how well a the building will be. It needs to be orientated perfectly. It must be the perfect size and shape. If it of off in any way it will affect the integrity of the building. This is a perfect image of Jesus. He is the cornerstone of our faith. But, the religious leaders where blind and found offence in the ministry of Jesus. To ignore or reject this rock has it consequences.

What inspired the song Cornerstone – Jesus is the Rock?

The song Cornerstone – Jesus is the Rock is inspired by a combination of several bible verses.  Here are ones that stand out in regards to the song itself

Scripture References

See, I lay in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, firmly placed

Isaiah 28:16

The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

Psalm 118:22-23

“…by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands before you whole. He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:10-12

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

Ephesians 2:19–20

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious,”.

1 Peter 2:4–6

What message would you like people to take from the song Cornerstone – Jesus is the Rock?

The thing I would like to see from this song is the awareness that Jesus is the Cornerstone. He is what our faith is built on. During the time Jesus walked on earth many could not see him for who he was. As a result Jesus became offensive and they rejected him. Thing are not so different today. Jesus to the lost soul find offence in him. They find not need for the free gift of salvation. Unfortunately they are are lost. I want the message of this song to bring awareness that faith is built on the Rock.

Listen to Cornerstone – Jesus is the Rock by John Pape

Related Links


Cornerstone – Jesus is the Rock – Song Resources

Worship song resources for Cornerstone – Jesus is the Rock by John Pape. Worship leader’s use these song resources to learn the song to use in your ministry.

Video

Song Information

SongwriterJohn Earl Pape
ThemeWorship
KeyG
Tempo80
TagsJesus, Cornerstone, Rock of Israel, Faith, Salvation
CCLI3076868
ScripturesRomans 9:33, Isaiah 28:16, 1 Peter 2:7-8, Job 38:4-6, Jeremiah 51:26, Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 19:13, 1 Peter 2:4-8, Acts 4:10-12, Ephesians 2:20-22

Resources

Lyrics

[VERSE 1]
True to the Word this stone   refused,
By the builders, was the Rock of Israel.
So, don’t pass by and ignore this rock
Or you will stumble trip and fall.
[CHORUS]
Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Jesus is the Rock
Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Upon this Rock I'll stand.
[VERSE 2]
Be not ashamed, never run away,
In your belief in the Rock of Israel.
So, don’t pass by and ignore this Rock
Or you will stumble, trip and fall.
[CHORUS]
Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Jesus is the Rock
Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Upon this Rock I'll stand.
[Bridge]
Build on this Rock
Be firm in your faith   ​
and You will know the Lord.
[CHORUS]
Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Jesus is the Rock
Cornerstone, Cornerstone
Upon this Rock I'll stand.

About This Song

This song is inspired by scriptures found in the Bible. When a building is constructed one of the most important elements is the cornerstone. This is the first piece that is placed down. It is important because it become the primary reference for the entire building. If the cornerstone is placed incorrectly it will affect the integrity of the the building. The cornerstone is this song refers to Jesus. Jesus is the chief cornerstone upon which the church is built. Unfortunately, for unbelievers the cornerstone becomes a rock or offence or a stumbling block. During the time when Jesus was on earth the religious leaders eyes where blinded and were unable to see Jesus for who he was. Jesus brought salvation to the world. But for the religious leader Jesus was offensive and a stumbling block and the adamantly rejected Him. This resulted in the the most heinous earthly punishment of crucifixion. This song is about in individuals today and their relation and belief in Jesus. For the believer there is great comfort, for the non believer it is a warning.