1184. For those who do not believe in Jesus as the Christ, Christ becomes a stone to bump into.

Rom 9:32-33, 1 Pt 2:7-8, Rom 11:9-10, Mt 21:42-44

In the Old Testament, Isaiah prophesied that the coming Christ would be our refuge, and that those who did not believe in Christ would stumble upon Him. (Isa 8:14-15)

Isa 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

The New Testaments says that those who do not believe in Christ and rely on their works will stumble upon Him, as the Old Testament prophesied. (Rom. 9:32-33; 1 Pet. 2:7-8; Rom. 11:9)

Rom. 9:32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1 Pet. 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Rom. 11:9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

Jesus said that if he does not believe in himself, who is the cornerstone prophesied in the Old Testament, he will perish. (Mt 21:42-45)

Mt 21:42 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 marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. 45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.