1 Peter 2:8 and,“A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.
This verse serves as a warning but also the sad reality of too many in this world. The very stone that can bring life and provide meaning to our existence can also cause people to stumble and fall. Why do they stumble on Jesus? It is because of disobedience. They may say that they believe in Jesus, but they don’t act on that belief. Jesus may only be convenience, a lucky charm, someone to call upon when in trouble.
It is difficult to interpret the last phrase “into which they were appointed, destined, meant.” Or, “that which was their end goal or purpose.” To what does this refer? It could be the whole idea of stumbling. Certain people (some Calvinists) will say that some people are predestined to fall. There may be another way to read this verse. People are meant to obey the message (the word, logos). This is really our destiny, not disobedience. The relative pronoun “which” is unclear since it is neuter. Either way, this verse shows that disobedience and not accepting the word of the gospel of Jesus Christ is not a good thing. We should not stumble over the one who brings us salvation. It is our choice: how will we receive Jesus? Many Jews in Peter’s day had rejected Jesus. Jesus warned the Jewish leaders about this in Matthew 21. Sadly, there are still many people who also reject Jesus.
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