Not only is Jesus a Rock, but his gospel also is likened to a rock, a sure foundation.
But … this stone shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build.” ( Jacob 4:15–16.) 2:8.) The Nephite prophet Jacob explained that “by the stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” ( Acts 4:11–12.) Therefore Jesus is called a stumbling stone to those who reject him, “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient.” ( 1 Pet. 21:44.) And Peter, declaring to the people that Jesus of Nazareth was raised from the dead, said that “this is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 118:22.) Jesus told the rulers of the Jews that he was that stone, and added that “whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” ( Matt. Therefore it is written that “the stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” ( Ps. The prophets had revealed that Jesus would be rejected of the world, and they declared that even so, he is the only way to salvation. 28:16.) And Paul explained that the faithful Saints belong to the household of God “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” ( Eph. Isaiah spoke particularly of the Lord as “a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation.” ( Isa. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall.” ( D&C 50:44 see also “Jesus Christ, Rock,” in Topical Guide, LDS edition of the King James Version of the Bible.) 49:24.) This stone is identified in latter-day revelation as Jesus Christ: “I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. 4:30, 35.) The patriarch Jacob spoke of the Lord as “the shepherd, the stone of Israel.” ( Gen. 10:4.) Nephi praised the Lord as the “rock of my salvation” and the “rock of my righteousness.” ( 2 Ne. 22:2–3.) Enoch heard the Lord say, “I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven.” ( Moses 7:53.) Paul explained that the children of Israel under the leadership of Moses “drank of that spiritual rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” ( 1 Cor. 32:3–4.) David wrote, “the Lord is my rock, and my fortress, … my shield, … my high tower.” ( 2 Sam. He is the Rock, his work is perfect, … a God of truth and without iniquity.” ( Deut. Moses spoke of the God of Israel as a Rock: “Ascribe ye greatness unto our God. The prophets used these metaphors in a variety of ways, conveying an impression of the unwavering character of God as well as the need for spiritual solidarity in the foundation and structure of our own lives.īy looking at the statements of the prophets, we can see how meaningful these symbols are. The words rock and stone, referring to the prime elements in ancient foundations, are used in the scriptures as metaphors signifying strength, steadiness, and durability. Experienced builders know that a structure cannot endure unless its foundation is strong. Matthews, dean of Religious Education, Brigham Young University.
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