This lesson explored the figurative meanings of “rock” and “stone” in the Bible. The main points covered were: A rock/stone represents the word of judgment and a pastor who receives authority to judge. God, Jesus, and their words are likened to a rock – something solid and permanent. Jesus is called both the cornerstone (the first stone laid as a foundation) and the capstone (the final stone placed at the top). At the Second Coming, Jesus promises to give a “white stone with a new name” to the one who overcomes. This white stone represents authority to judge being bestowed on this overcomer. The overcomer must overcome the Nicolaitans and their practices, which are opposed to Christ. Just as there is the true Rock (God/Christ), there is also a counterfeit “rock” representing Satan’s words of venom and poison. The key was understanding the symbolic meanings of rock/stone in relation to judgment, authority, Christ versus Antichrist at the end times. The overcomer receives the white stone of judgment authority from Christ.

 

Study Guide SCJ Bible Study

Secrets of Heaven. The Figurative Rock (Stone)

 

 

Were we present at Mount Zion? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves. Let us continue to develop the ability to discern during this time, as discernment is such an essential skill for believers today.

 

Every time we approach the word, we should question, “Am I at Mount Zion, or am I not?” 

 

We ought to ask ourselves because we desire to be where the Lamb is, don’t we? That’s where the Lamb is prophesied to be at the time of the second coming.

 

We will continue to learn about what must emanate from Mount Zion so that we can determine whether we are at that place or not. The future lessons, including today’s, will aid us in developing the ability to discern the location of Mount Zion and where it will be. Today, we’re going to discuss an intriguing topic.

 

Rock and stone are interchangeable; they mean the same thing. Interestingly, the figurative rock actually has two meanings. So, what are the figurative meanings of rock or stone? Let’s think of two meanings.

 

We need to consider what rocks and stones do and how they were used in the biblical history, and why they are commented on in the book of Revelation. 

 

1. Rocks represent the word of judgment and a word that carries out judgment. 
2. The Rock represents a Pastor who receives authority to judge.

 

As we study the parable for today, let’s keep in mind how important it is to recognize this and find this person in our time, considering these two meanings.

 

Our hope for today is to find the one who overcomes, who has the white stone. At the time of the second coming, the White Stone is very special, and we will read about it today. We’ll look at what it represents or what it means in relation to the two meanings that we have received so far.

Main Reference

Interestingly, we see here that Jesus, the spirit speaking, promises one of the twelve blessings to the one who overcomes in Revelation 2 and 3. One of those blessings He says He will give is a white stone, which must be given to the one who overcomes. Some versions may say “those who overcome,” making it plural, but the original translation is singular in nature – one who overcomes. They will be given a white stone with a name known only to the one who receives it. Intriguing. Why is that? They will also be given some of the hidden manna.

 

Well, what is manna? Historically, what was it, and what does it mean figuratively? And who was the embodiment of manna at the first coming? Jesus. Manna was the bread that fell from heaven to feed the people. And Jesus said in John  6, “Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, yet they still died. But if someone eats the bread I give, they will never die.” Now, in the time of Revelation’s fulfillment, Jesus promises to give some of that hidden manna to the one who overcomes. Hidden meaning secret or mystery.

 

Oh, that sounds familiar. What are we studying in today’s class? The Secrets of Heaven.

 

So this hidden manna represents the open word – the word that has been opened, which was once sealed.

 

The opened word. But what about the white stone? Let’s talk about the white stone today.

1. Physical Characteristics of a Stone or Rock.

When you think about a stone or a rock, what characteristics come to mind? Rocks seem immutable and permanent. However, if enough wind or water hits a rock, it will change its shape over time. This is a macro geological phenomenon. But at the human scale, when something is placed on a rock, it appears quite permanent. What do we use rocks for?

 

1. Rocks are solid and hard.
2. Rocks can be used for building.
3. Rocks can be used for destruction.

 

In ancient warfare, rocks were launched from giant catapults to destroy walls. Hand-sized rocks could also be thrown, or used for stoning. Rocks, being hard and solid, can serve both purposes – building or destroying.

 

Interestingly, the same duality applies to water and fire. Water can give life, but it can also drown. Fire can provide warmth, heat homes, and cook food, but it can also ravage entire forests.

 

Often, the use of a parable depends on certain factors and situations in which it is being employed. Rocks are no different.

 

Keeping in mind the characteristics of building and destroying, or judging, who is Moses referring to when he says “He is just. A faithful…”? God, that’s right. God is a rock. Deuteronomy 32:4. This makes sense. Who else is a rock?

 

We’ll now look at God’s Rock and Satan’s Rock.

2. Spiritual (True) Meaning of Rock or Stone

Who is Moses referring to when he says ‘he is just, a faithful’? He is talking about God, isn’t he? Yes, that’s right. God. So, Moses describes God as a rock. That’s pretty straightforward and makes sense. Now, who else is described as a rock?

That rock was Christ. Paul is making a connection between the rock that Moses struck and Christ. You remember this story. Moses, though he did many amazing things for God and his people, also had his own issues and challenges. One of the challenges that Moses faced was his anger. Anger was a significant foothold for him. What is your foothold, and have you overcome it yet? It’s better to overcome it because it could cost you the promise, even if you’re faithful and righteous to God.

 

Keep your footholds in check.

 

God said, “Speak to the rock, and it will give water for the people to drink.” But Moses, instead of speaking to the rock in front of all the people, struck it. And God said, “I wish you hadn’t done that. Now I will only allow you to glance at the promised land that you led the people to for 40 years, but you will not enter.” And so, what does Paul figuratively call the very rock that Moses struck? Jesus. Jesus was that rock, and Jesus is the Rock.

Anyone who hears these words and puts them into practice is like the one who builds their house on the rock. Because if one builds their house on the rock, the rock is a sure foundation; that house will not be shaken.

 

However, one who builds their house on sand, what are things like sand? Remember what we talked about? Appearance is like sand. This person may look great, wear fine clothes, and attend a large church, leading others to think they must have the truth. They may say, “I feel the presence of God here,” or “I feel like God may be leading me here or there.” They may think, “I thought it should be like this,” or “I thought it should be like that,” or question, “Why isn’t it like this?” or “Why isn’t it like that?”

 

Those things, if they are the foundation of our faith, are very shaky. Appearance, thoughts, and feelings are unstable foundations. And the moment there’s a little trial, the house crashes. It’s better to build our foundation of faith on the rock, which is the word of God.

God said to Peter and ultimately the other disciples as well, “On this rock, people, I will build my church.” Why did God trust the building of His eternal church on people? What did they have that others did not have?

 

We know the answer to this, right? What did the disciples have that the others did not have? What have they been receiving for three and a half years? The word from Jesus. Jesus, and we’ll talk about this in a moment.

 

So they had been receiving the word. They too became rocks. Remember, the word is the rock, and a person with the word becomes like a rock upon which the church can be built.

 

Are we understanding the flow here? Does everything make sense?

 

Quick Review

In our review, we explored how the word of judgment and a pastor who received the authority to judge represent the rock. We examined the main reference from Revelation 2:17, which shows that the one who overcomes receives a white stone from Jesus.

 

What is the significance of the white stone with a new name written on it? The physical characteristics of a rock are that it is hard and solid, meaning it can be used for building, but it can also be used for destruction. We then delved into the spiritual meaning of rock.

 

God is a rock. Jesus is a rock. Their words are rocks, and a person possessing their words is also a rock or a living stone.

 

We will soon discuss 1 Peter 2. Initially, we emphasized the importance of having the open word. The open word is not widely possessed.

 

A place that can explain who, what, when, where, why, and how prophecy has been fulfilled possesses the true open word. Being kind to one another, taking care of each other, praying for each other, and caring for one another are commendable actions that every place should practice. However, these actions alone do not determine whether a place has the open word or not. Even non-believers take care of each other well. That is not the standard.

 

It is too low a standard. The true standard is whether they can explain prophecy and its fulfillment.

 

Not just speculating about what it might mean, but clearly stating what has happened. A place of salvation is prophesied to appear at the time of the second coming, like an ark or the mountains. That’s why Jesus mentioned it. So, we should be looking for this place today, in our time.

 

We must inscribe the word on our hearts, chiselling it into a rock, making it permanent. How many times have we learned about past civilizations? Because they had the foresight to inscribe their ideas, thoughts, and laws on rock, that word is still here today. It was not placed only on paper. Paper is very brittle and must be protected. Paper deteriorates, but rocks endure; they’re still there.

 

Thousands of years later, we can still understand and read about who these people were. So, that’s what God is saying we should do with His word – make it permanent like that on our hearts.

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Old Testament Prophecy

What does God say through the prophet Isaiah? “See, I lay a stone in Zion, on Mount Zion.” Interestingly, if someone reads this in the book of Isaiah, they might think, “Where is that stone?” They might go into the fields, thinking, “Is it this stone over here? This one sounds pretty shining. Oh, I found one over here, guys. It’s really nice.”

 

Would that be the stone God means? If someone did that, how would they be spending their time? They would be wasting their time because the stone is figurative. Even Zion itself is figurative in nature. This is a prophecy, so parables are being used.

The stones the builders rejected have become the capstone. So, in Isaiah 28:16, we looked at the cornerstone, and in Psalms 118, we looked at the capstone. What are these things?

 

I studied architecture in school, so this is the part where I like to nerd out a little bit. Let’s nerd out together. We’re going to draw a picture of a wall to really understand what a capstone and cornerstone are.

 

Please draw this picture with me. First, draw the ground. Then, draw a large rectangle. In the middle of this rectangle, draw two arcs. Now, draw a portion on top of your wall that’s shaped like a rectangle.

 

Let’s add some details. On the top, draw dividing lines and make the one in the middle slightly larger. Do the same on the bottom portion, dividing it into stones by drawing lines like this.

 

Does everyone have a wall drawn? Is it looking sturdy?

 

The capstone is the last stone placed on top of a structure. The cornerstone is this one right here. It’s the first stone that is placed.

 

Interestingly, Jesus, which we’ll get to in a moment, is being compared to both the first stone and the last stone. There are no accidents in the Bible. Okay, let’s look at the New Testament or the first coming fulfillment about these.

First coming fulfillment. 

Peter truly brings together what we’ve been reading so far. He first talked about Jesus and compared Him to the cornerstone, reminding us of the prophecy spoken in Isaiah 28:16.

 

He is the living stone, the cornerstone. And if one puts their trust in this stone, they will never be dismayed. The word “dismayed” means corrupted, deceived, or led astray.

 

One who trusts in the cornerstone, which is the first stone that must be placed, sets the standard for how the structure will be formed. If a bad stone is placed first, the entire structure will be compromised. It is better to place a strong stone as the base and build upon a strong foundation like that.

 

However, Jesus is not just the first stone that is placed; He is also the last stone that is placed, the capstone. He is the shining stone that everyone can see, placed at the top.

Jesus is reminding us of the prophecy from Psalm 118:22. He’s saying that the stone the builders rejected, meaning the builders, of course, are those who have the spiritual job of building people up. That’s who is really being talked about here. A leader, pastor, or head has the job of building people up to become a temple for God. But he’s saying that these builders, leaders, rejected the most important stone, yet that stone was placed at the top anyway, even though they rejected it.

 

Jesus said two important things here. If one falls on this rock, they will be broken to pieces. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? It’s what we want. It’s a good thing. Why? If we fall on the rock, what does falling usually entail? If you fall on the rock, you will be broken to pieces so that what? You can be rebuilt into something more like God in Jesus.

 

But if you reject, what happens instead? Yes, if you reject, you get crushed. We do not want that. What we want is to be broken to pieces so that we can be rebuilt. That’s what we want. And in order for this to take place, we must understand who the cornerstone and capstone are.

 

So, Jesus, who was put in this position, let’s talk about the reason as to why. We’ll look at Old Testament prophecy or Old Testament law about rocks and stones. We’ll get the first coming, and then we’ll look at the second coming.

 

Let’s look at the reason why Jesus was called the cornerstone and the capstone.

 

4. Reason Jesus is the Rock (Stone)

Old Testament Law

God came to Moses as Moses was spending time with Him on the mountain. And what did He give him? Two stone tablets. On these tablets, the law was inscribed. So, God came to Moses and gave him the law on two stone tablets, meaning that it was so important that it must be permanently inscribed.

 

That was the goal. Laws are permanent, and the people were to keep it from generation to generation, for the generations to come. Interesting.

 

Now, what is interesting about the significance of this? What was a common form of punishment that the people of Israel would carry out when someone broke the law? Why would they stone people?

 

You will be judged by what? Symbolically, you will be judged by the law you have broken. This is why they stoned people. So that very law carried out judgment. One was being judged as to whether or not they had been right in accordance with the law or not.

 

So God gave Moses the two stone tablets of law, and that law carried out judgment. And symbolically, it’s the reason why the people of Israel would stone people because the stone represented the law. They were being judged in accordance with the law. You’ve been judged by the law and have been found wanting, like the scales. Remember the scales? Very similar to that.

 

Okay, how did this play out at the time of the first coming? Because someone came to be the very embodiment of this, right?

First Coming Law

An intriguing point is raised: God bestows upon Jesus the authority to judge. This prompts the question, “What precisely is the authority to judge that God has granted to Jesus?

“The very words I have spoken will condemn him at the last day.” Jesus says that the words He has uttered will be the basis for judgment on the final day. And where did Jesus receive these words that He will use to judge people? Not only to judge during the time when He walked the earth, but also in the end times, as He mentions here. Where do these words originate from? They come from God.

For I gave them the words you gave me, and they accepted them. As a result, some became those who were trusting, while others were broken to pieces, allowing for their reconstruction.

 

However, there are those who reject, as mentioned in John 12:48, and their end goal or result is to be crushed instead. The rock can either be used for building or for destruction and judgment. So, how did Jesus carry out that judgment? We are well aware of this, and we often discuss it. Matthew 23 serves as an example, where Jesus judged the Pharisees and Sadducees with his words.

 

Jesus judged the Pharisees, teachers of the law, and the scribes of that time with his words. He said, ‘You Pharisees, you hypocrites! How will you escape being condemned to hell? You make people twice as much a son of hell as you are. On the outside, you’re whitewashed tombs, but on the inside, you’re full of dead men’s bones. You’re a brood of vipers.‘ Jesus was judging them, setting them ablaze, and stoning them, not with a literal stone but with his words, the true judgment that needed to happen.

 

So then, if Jesus has the authority now, does he keep it to himself only? This is an interesting question to explore.

 

3. Second Coming Law

He said, “I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on it.” So, Jesus is promising to give the authority to judge to the one who overcomes at the second coming. The question arises, who is this one who overcomes? How can we understand this person so that we can be certain that we are not among those who will be judged by the very stone given to them by Jesus?

 

Because this individual, whether he or she, will carry out that judgment. Hmm. Well, let’s examine further about who this one who overcomes is by looking at Revelation 2:7 more broadly.

Verse 17 says something similar: “To him who overcomes.” Similarly, verse 11 mentions something related.

 

The crown of light is mentioned in Revelation 22:26, “To him who overcomes.” We’ll also look at Revelation 3:12. So, throughout Revelation 2 and 3, the one who overcomes receives a series of blessings. And this one who overcomes needs to overcome something, right? To overcome means to win or have victory over something. It means to have victory over a person, a trait, or a thing that one wants to overcome. So, what is it that this person has to overcome?

 

If we go back to Revelation chapter 2, we’re going to see what they have to overcome. This is our first introduction to this concept, which is why I’m taking a little bit of time to explain it. If you go to Revelation 2, you can see what they have to overcome.

“You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Hmm.”

 

Who are the Nicolaitans? Of course, we’ll cover this in much more detail later, but I’m introducing it today because you need to know that a fight, a war, is promised to happen in the book of Revelation.

 

We need to be aware of this war that must be fought. The one who emerges victorious in this war will then receive blessings like the white stone, the crown of life, and the right to eat from the tree of life.

 

Okay, so what else must the one who overcomes do? Well, let’s revisit the passage we read earlier to give us a clue about who the one who overcomes is.

 

“You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Hmm.”

 

Who are the Nicolaitans? While we’ll explore this in greater depth later, I’m introducing it now because you need to understand that a fight, a war, is foretold in the book of Revelation.

 

We must be mindful of this impending war that must be waged. The one who triumphs in this war will then be granted blessings such as the white stone, the crown of life, and the privilege to partake of the tree of life.

 

Now, let’s examine the passage again to gain insight into the identity of the one who overcomes.

A reading from John’s perspective, where he receives the open scroll from the angel’s hand and is instructed to eat it. Subsequently, he is told to testify about what he has witnessed and heard. John must testify, saying, “I saw this. I saw this. I saw this. It happened at this location, during this time, to these people.” This is the testimony that must be delivered.

 

Since John has to deliver this testimony, he is the one who must overcome those who are engaged in destructive work, like the beasts. It is indeed like a story, a movie, and we will comprehend this narrative better as we continue our study.

 

Additionally, Revelation 16 mentions the bowls of wrath. We understand that a bowl represents a person filled with the wrath of God, who then carries out the work of judgment.

 

Today, we have been introduced to many concepts. We will encounter these elements repeatedly in the future lessons. Do not worry if it does not make complete sense yet; it will become clearer as we progress. However, keep in mind that the white stone must be given to the one who overcomes, the one who has to fight against those whom Satan is using.

 

This will occur at the time of the second coming. We shall stop here for now. Lastly, it is important to note that just as Satan has his tree, yeast, and cooking pots, he also has his rock.

The verse 31 states, “For their rock is not like our rock.” This implies that their rock spews venom and poison from their wild vines. In contrast, our rock, which is God, produces water, reminiscent of the time when Moses struck the rock, and water flowed forth. However, the rock of Satan yields venom and poison.

In the book of Revelation 6, where judgment begins, we encounter a group of people who run and hide in the mountains, rocks, and caves. However, these are not good mountains, but bad mountains. A cave is a sunken place where there is little to no light, oftentimes complete darkness. It is a place of darkness. So, we have this group of people who run and take refuge in these dark caves, and they ask the rocks to fall on them to protect them from the wrath of Christ. As we continue to study, we will learn more about who these people are. But what they are doing here is not good. It is not a positive thing. They are running into caves, places of darkness.

Memorization

 

Let’s Us Discern