1 Peter 2:7-8 7Therefore, the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected, this one has been made into the head stone,” 8and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, for which they were also appointed.
In verses 7-8, Peter warns those who do not believe in Jesus or honor his position in the new people of God. When people are confronted with the person and message of Jesus, they must decide about him. Peter is talking about that fundamental choice. It is the most crucial choice we can make in life. People seek precious stones. We have them in our rings and necklaces. They are tucked away in safes. People save much money for that special diamond in the wedding ring. The stone Peter is describing is Jesus. He is precious, more precious than silver, gold, or diamonds or any other precious stone or metal. For those who believe, Jesus becomes the answer to our deepest need. When we believe, we allow him to be Lord, Savior, Master, Guide, and Friend. This stone becomes the foundation for our lives.
There is another type of response too many people give. Peter quotes Psalm 118:22 to warn against the response of unbelief (Matthew 21:42-43; Mark 12:10–11; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11). The very stone that people reject has become the foundation upon which God builds his church and new people. The implication is that instead of honor, unbelievers will experience shame before God on judgment when Jesus comes again. The difference between honor and stumbling is believing. The Jewish leaders are good examples of those who stumbled and fell because they rejected Jesus as the Messiah.
Verse 8 continues the warning. It describes the sad response of too many people today. 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 do not act on that belief. Jesus may only be convenience, a lucky charm, or someone to call upon when in trouble.
The last phrase in verse 8 poses a theological challenge. The verse could be interpreted to mean that some people are predestined to fall, implying that they have no choice in the matter. However, their stumbling is due to their lack of obedience to the word that was proclaimed to them, not God appointing certain people to hell and others to heaven. The human agency is the reason for the stumbling. When these people heard the gospel, they rejected it, and so their destiny was judgment. The outcome of disobedience is stumbling. God’s purpose and plan for humanity is for us to obey the message of the gospel. We were created for to obey God, indicating our love for God. Our destiny is obedience, not disobedience. We should not stumble over the one who brings us salvation. Many Jews in Peter’s day rejected Jesus. Sadly, there are still many people who also reject him.