Is this the rule of a King, or the rule which is an example, the pattern, by which one's life is measured?
Following are the two words which describe the rule which is of, or for, measurement. Read each scripture carefully and prayerfully.
RULE Kanon [kanvn] "[kanna (kanna) or kane (kanh), a cane] a measure, rule; in N.T. prescribed range of action or duty; met. rule of conduct or doctrine" (Harper's Analytical Lexicon). "noun, masculine; measuring rod, rule, standard, limit" (New Englishman's Greek Concordance and Lexicon). 2 Corinthians 10:13,15,16 -- rule (2 times), line (see below). Galatians 6:16 -- rule -- the rule of Christ is neither circumcision nor uncircumcision of the flesh (verses 12-16). Philippians 3:16 -- rule -- let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing (verses 8-16).
MEASURE Metron [metron] "noun, neuter; measuring instrument, standard" (New Englishman's Greek Concordance and Lexicon). [for the other uses 'metron' see: Matthew 7:2; 23:32; Mark 4:24; Luke 6:38; John 3:34; Revelation 21:17] Romans 12:3 -- the measure of faith -- we are to think of ourselves according to, in the light of, the measure of faith. 2 Corinthians 10:2 Corinthians 10:13-17 "We will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure , as though we reached not unto you for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to hand. But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (KJV). -- our measure ... according to the rule (measuring rod) of Christ -- Jesus is the God-given measuring rod or rule for our lives. -- we should boast in no other measuring rod or ruler -- we should not boast in another man's line, or rules. Ephesians 4:7 -- measure of the gift of Christ -- Christ was given to be the measurement by which we should live. Ephesians 4:13-16 -- the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. --every member of his body has a rule or measurement to live by. -- the measuring rod is everything for which Christ stands and represents. -- the measure of every part (of the body).
1 Peter 2:11-21-25 -- because Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. 1 Corinthians 11:1-3 -- be ye followers (imitators) of me, even as I am of Christ, Paul said. Philippians 2:5 -- let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Matthew 11:29 -- take my yoke upon you, Jesus said. Ephesians 4:15 -- grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. 1 Peter 4:12-17 -- inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, Peter said.
The answer to the beginning question is: Jesus is 'our ruler, our measuring rod'.
The prophecy of Isaiah 28:16,17 tells us precise the same thing about Jesus.
"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place."
"the line" is: Hebrew 'qav' meaning "a cord ? especially for measuring; figuratively a rule" (see Strong's #6957). "the plummet" is: Hebrew 'mishqeleth' meaning "a weight, i.e. a plummet" (Strong's #4949). "Plummet - "a piece of lead or other metal attached to a line, used in sounding the depth of water or testing perpendicularity; also plumb bob" (The Living Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary).
Compare 1 Peter 2:6-8.
The 'cornerstone' is: "? specifically a stone built into a corner of the foundation of an important edifice as the actual or nominal starting point in building ?" (The Living Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary).
Compare Ephesians 2:19-22 and Hebrews 3:6.
Ron Rankin February, 1999