Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Christ, the Only Rock Upon Which the Church Stands
“He saith unto them, ‘But Whom say ye that I am?’ And Simon Peter answered and said, ‘Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father Which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this Rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’” (Matthew 16:15-19).
Jesus Christ, the Only Rock Upon Which the Church Stands
What do these words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 16:18 mean? “Upon this Rock I will build My Church?” The Holy Spirit gives us the final, authoritative, and definitive interpretation in Scripture Without the Traditions of Men, Scripture Alone:
“If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 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.’ 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: whereunto also they were appointed.” (1 Peter 2:3-8).
Therefore, Jesus Christ is the Only Rock upon Which the Church Stands. He Himself is the Only Rock upon Which He builds His Church. Not at all Peter. Not at all Peter’s office. Don’t be deceived by the false interpretations and lies of Rome, where the Gates of Hell prevail (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; Revelation 18:23).
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Amen! Hallelujah!