Pretty much anyone who has walked along the edge of a lake or stream knows the value of a good skipping rock. You know the kind I am talking about, nice and smooth, flat but not too thin, and just the right weight. Then there is the right rock for throwing at a tin can resting on the top of a post. For this, it needs to be round and fairly smooth, and just the right weight. There is also the right stone for making a big splash. You know what I mean, a nice big one, not too heavy to lift and throw out in a puddle, but large enough to make a big splash that will get your brother or sister wet! At a different time and place, stones are also nicely placed as stepping-stones to cross a creek or stream so that you can get to the other side without taking your shoes off. I hate the ones that look steady and firm, but then give-away under your weight and you end up soaking wet! Other large boulders are firm and great as anchors, even immovable in the face of rushing waters--a safe foundation upon which to stand without worry that they will slide away into the current.
We are all familiar with a good rock, "good" being defined differently based upon the purpose. The multi-purpose rock or stone, so simple and familiar to us, is often used in scriptural references and in a variety of contexts to teach about the gospel of Christ. Of course there are the literal examples in the scriptures such as when David, "chose him five smooth stones out of the brook,"[1] probably just the right weight for the purpose at hand. We are also familiar with the scripture, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone."[2] These are not the kind of examples that I want to speak about today. Rather, there are numerous examples where stones, objects of which we are most familiar, are used to teach something central about the nature of the Lord and Savior and His Church, the topic I feel to speak on today.
My hope is to emphasize the increasing importance of a life centered on Christ and to increase our appreciation for the doctrines contained in "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles." In April General Conference a year ago, Elder Hales warned that there would be a greater need for us to understand the doctrine contained in this inspired document. He said:
"In recent decades the Church has largely been spared the terrible misunderstandings and persecutions experienced by the early Saints. It will not always be so. The world is moving away from the Lord faster and farther than ever before. The adversary has been loosed upon the earth. We watch, hear, read, study, and share the words of prophets to be forewarned and protected. For example, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was given long before we experienced the challenges now facing the family. "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles" was prepared in advance of when we will need it most."[3]
Why is it that the "Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles" will be needed so dearly in the days ahead? What is it about the world moving away from the Lord faster and farther than ever before that will require us to reflect on this proclamation? Perhaps it is in our testimony of the living Christ that we will find the strength and the peace that we will need. Perhaps it is in the testimony of living apostles that we will find assurance. Perhaps in these words, which we can study, read, and share, we will find a foundation and protection from an adversary that has been loosed upon the earth. In it we find our irrefutable claim to be Christians, our claim to living apostles, the testimonies of such that Christ lives, has restored his Church, and all essential doctrines pertaining to our salvation in and through Him as the Only Begotten of the Father. Upon Him and his apostles, we build our foundation.
I invite you to reflect with me upon the scriptures that we might more fully understand the importance of the doctrines found in this document, "The Living Christ," and more fully appreciate the admonition to, "remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation,"[4] and the affirmation that, "The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer,"[5] and the instruction, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock."[6] As we face increasing headwinds and stronger currents of opposition, it might serve us well to see how the proclamation on the "Living Christ" points us toward solid footing.
In many scriptural references, the "rock" takes on a symbolic meaning designed to help us understand the nature of the deliverance granted by the Savior to those who follow Him or the destructive consequences for those who reject Him. In particular, they identify:
- The protective and shielding nature of our Lord as He provides shelter and safety from the temptations and storms of world.
- The solid, firm, and steady foundation of Jesus Christ and his Gospel upon which we must build our lives.
- The source, light, and very essence of our temporal and spiritual life.
- The influence and strength granted us to deliver, lift, and build others.
- The sad fate of those who reject Him and stumble in darkness.
There are a number of these important references throughout the scriptures. If we look for them and apply the imagery, we will find there is great comfort and strength when we seek the Lord, our God, strength that we will need in these troublesome times foretold. First, the scriptures teach us that when we trust in the Savior, He can protect or shelter us. Listen to these comforting words of the Psalmist:
"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings."[7]
We also read in 2 Samuel, "The God of my rock; in him will I trust: [he is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence."[8] And again in Psalms, we read, "Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou [art] my rock and my fortress."[9] These comforting words remind us of the love that our Savior has for each of his flock. He desires to protect us. But we must come unto him to find the refuge we seek.
In what way does He protect us or provide us refuge? Perhaps the most obvious is with respect to temporal storms and physical harm. In the Book of Mormon, we read that Ammon and his brethren were protected from death, as were the two thousand stripling warriors; and this because of the power of their faith unto deliverance. In Helaman, we read about the protection provided to two brothers, Nephi and Lehi, whom the people were prepared to slay:
"And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if by fire, even insomuch that they durst not lay their hands upon them for fear lest they should be burned. Nevertheless, Nephi and Lehi were not burned; and they were as standing in the midst of fire and were not burned."[10]
This turned into one of the greatest missionary success stories of all time, by the way! They became great examples of the Lord's power to protect those who place their faith in Him. We also know of Daniel in the lion's den and his friends, Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego who were saved from the "fiery furnace," by the power of their God.
In the last General Conference, Elder Rasband gave an account of young school children who were miraculously protected from the destructive power of a tornado in Oklahoma City. He testified that one young girl in particular was protected by angels in the storm. We might be reminded that, the Lord has promised, "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."[11] We are reminded in the "Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles" that "His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. ... He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead."[12] Our faith in Christ can yield protection and miraculous blessings as He sees fit to grant in our times of need.
Of course, the greatest protection that the Rock provides us is protection from temptation and sin. He promises that we will not be "tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."[13] This protection is absolutely real. Sister Reeves, Second Counselor of the Relief Society General Presidency reminded us that, "the blessings of daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening ... are the very practices that help take away stress, give direction to our lives, and add protection to our homes," even protection from addictions including pornography.
If we live the teachings of the Savior, we will be spared the spiritual destruction that faces so many in our day. There is safety in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In "The Living Christ" we are reminded, "He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come."[14] It should be clear that we can find shelter in the cavern of the Rock, one that is immovable and certain. This shelter is granted through personal righteousness and the atoning and priesthood power granted by the Savior. It is found in temples today and in righteous homes, including your apartments.
The scriptures also teach that the Savior represents a sure foundation:
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."[15]
The Savior taught how to build on the foundation he provides. In Matthew, the account is as follows:
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."[16]
Luke's account is just slightly different:
"Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock."[17]
Brothers and sisters, "doing His sayings" is like "digging deep." President Clark, in a devotional address in 2007, taught that we can liken "digging deep" to willing obedience, willingness to sacrifice, consecration of time and resources, hard work, patience, diligence, and a devotion to the Lord and His work.[18]
It is not easy to dig deep and build a foundation on the Rock, but remember that this Rock is the Rock of our Salvation. "O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation."[19] We can be assured that when we build on the Rock, we will be on stable, firm, and immovable ground. We can have confidence that we can, like the foundation we are built on, stand against sin and persecutions and withstand the winds, even torrential deluges, of trial. Adversity and trial will never be far from us. It is an essential part of our mortal existence. But if the foundation of faith in Christ is embedded in our hearts, the power to endure will not crumble. Our choosing the right consistently whenever the choice is placed before us anchors us to the Rock, which provides solid ground under our faith. "Those choices, hundreds in most days, prepare the solid ground on which our edifice of faith is built."[20]
If we are to face temporal and spiritual rains, floods, and wind, we should understand that in some cases, the Lord will determine it best not to shelter or shield us, but instead to provide a strong support and an anchor from which we can stand in the face of the storms that beat upon us. That is, He may not remove some challenges from us, but he will provide a solid ground from which we can stand firm in the face of them. Through Him we can overcome any challenge, including the devastating effects of addiction. The world would have us believe that faith in Christ shows weakness, but to the contrary, we have strength found only in Him. There is an assurance that comes with testimony. There is self-confidence that comes in that assurance that we are standing firmly with our God.
In addition to the trials of life that all who come to the earth will face, Elder Hales has warned that the misunderstandings and persecutions experienced by the early Saints will return in our day. It will take renewed resolve that will come from hastening our efforts to build the Kingdom of God.
"The Living Christ" contains a reminder and an assurance to which we can look:
"He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come...
"He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."[21]
Even more than a foundation to build upon, Christ is the source of the light in us that grants us life itself. Peter identifies Christ as our "living stone," "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious..." Certainly this is yet another reference to the nature of the deliverance granted by the Savior. It is in and through Him that we have mortal life and through Whom we will be able to gain eternal life. He taught:
"I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning."[22]
Through His atoning sacrifice we can have eternal life. But we must seek this Living Stone that provides light and life to all who seek him.
Again "The Living Christ" assures this truth:
"He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
"We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
"He rose from the grave to 'become the firstfruits of them that slept"[23]
As we consider our foundation built upon the Rock, which in fact is a Living Stone who grants us life itself, we might review the words of Paul. He taught that we:
"are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."[24]
The great power of a cornerstone is in its ability to place a reference point that is sturdy and firm from which the rest of the building is built. As we build on him and his foundation of apostles, we cannot be turned either to the right or to the left. Can you see the uniqueness of this living construction? We are also "builded together," small rocks perhaps, being used in the construction of a great edifice--the Church of Christ. We then become firm and others can build on us as well. Now let's return to Peter's words:
"To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded."[25]
Those who build on Christ and the foundation of apostles and prophets, i.e. His holy priesthood, are firm and become part of a spiritual house, or temple. Building on such a foundation allows us to build righteous lives on true principles that will never fail. We build foundations that will last through this life and into the eternities. Building on the testimonies of the apostles contained in "The Living Christ" will hold us firm and give us life, and from this foundation, we invite all to come unto Christ to build with us and to become part with us in the glorious edifice of His Church. With the apostles:
"We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth--'built upon the foundation of ... apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone' (Ephesians 2:20)."[26]
Let me share, one last scriptural use of a rock or stone to symbolize the Living Christ. Peter teaches that Christ becomes a stumbling block to those who reject him:
"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, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: where unto also they were appointed."[27]
How is this true? Quite simply, without him there is no path back to our heavenly home and Heavenly Parents. Those who pursue another course will wander off into forbidden paths and fall away.[28] They will stumble over the very Rock, which could save them because they look for another way. Wickedness never was happiness, and as a result, those who choose such a path will fumble along, stumbling over the very Rock that would be their salvation. In some cases, the scriptures indicate that some not only stumble over the Rock, but that it may even crush them in their wickedness. Perhaps in reference to the role He will play as our Judge or in His effort to protect his saints from those who would oppose his Kingdom.
"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?
"And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."[29]
We also see this imagery in Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream where he saw a stone was "cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces."[30]
It is clear my brothers and sisters, we cannot have it both ways; either we build on the Rock by doing His will, or we stumble over His truth and fall, or worse, we oppose it and get crushed. In "The Living Christ" we read:
"We testify that He will someday return to earth. 'And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together' (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts."[31]
My brothers and sisters, I invite you to reflect on the truths summarized in "The Living Christ: The Testimony of The Apostles." The Prophet Joseph Smith taught:
"The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."[32]
Hastening the work of salvation, the charge given by a latter-day prophet, will open us to increased criticism and opposition. The courage we will need in the coming days to stand for Christ can be cultivated through studying the testimony of the living apostles found in this document. Might we stand with them; might we stand on this Rock!
"Of Him the Prophet ... declared: 'And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
"'For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father'"[33]
There are rocks fit for skipping; rocks fit for throwing, and rocks or stones fit for stepping. But there is only one Rock fit for a foundation upon which to build our lives. Seek the Rock, even Jesus Christ. He Lives! He is our protector and will provide shelter and safety from the temptations and storms of the world. He is the solid, firm and steady foundation, the Living Stone, upon which we must build our lives through living His Gospel. When we build on Him and his apostles and prophets, we can provide strength, truth, and firmness for others to build on; we even become "lively stones" in Him and can offer light and truth to an ever-darkening world--for He is the source and very essence of our temporal and spiritual life. Through His Atonement we can have everlasting life, and "there is no other way or means whereby [men and women] can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness."[34] We must carry His light to all the world. Of all the stones and rocks that we might find in mortality, He is the one that we must "dig deep" and find, and the only one that will truly save. In Him I have hope and of Him I testify, in his sacred name, even Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] 1 Sam 17:40
[2] John 8:7
[3] Robert D. Hales, "General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony," Ensign, November, 2013, 7.)
[4] Helaman 5:12
[5] 2 Samuel 22:2
[6] Matthew 7:24
[7] Psalms 61:3-4
[8] 2 Samuel 22:3
[9] Psalms 71:3
[10] Helaman 5:23
[11] D&C 84:88
[12] The Living Christ: The Testimony Of The Apostles, The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
[13] 1 Corinthians 10:13
[14] The Living Christ
[15] Helaman 5: 12
[16] Matthew 7:24-25
[17] Luke 6:47-48
[18] Elder Kim B. Clark, "The Spirit of Ricks", Brigham Young University-Idaho Devotional, September 18, 2007
[19] 2 Nephi 9:45
[20] President Henry B. Eyring, "Mountains to Climb", Ensign, April 2012, 24
[21] The Living Christ
[22] 3 Nephi 11:11
[23] The Living Christ
[24] Ephesians 2:20-22
[25] 1 Peter 2:4-8
[26] The Living Christ
[27] 1 Peter 2: 7-8 (See also Romans 9: 32-33)
[28] 1 Nephi 8: 23, 28
[29] Matthew 21: 42, 44 or Luke 20:17-18
[30] Daniel 2:23
[31] The Living Christ
[32] Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 49
[33] The Living Christ
[34] Alma 38:9