Christ, the True Rock of Our Salvation by Adam Miller
“O thou Rock of our salvation/ Jesus, Savior of the world/ In our poor and lowly station/We thy banner have unfurled.” These are the words of the opening verse of the song “O Thou Rock of Our Salvation.” These words Rock of Salvation show a great meaning in this song as they do throughout the scriptures as well as the LDS faith in general. It is an idea that has helped members of the church endure times that seemed extremely difficult but that can be conquered through faith in the Rock of Our Salvation, Jesus Christ.
The Rock of our Salvation signifies a base that we can build our life on. It is a structure that we can base our life on to live according as the Savior would have us do. In the book of Isaiah, Isaiah describes the Savior as “a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation.” (Isa. 28:16.) Isaiah, being the most quoted prophet in all of the scriptures, realizes the impact for good that the Savior will have on our life if we build our foundation around him. By building our foundation around him, we will not stray but rather, keep hold of the straight and narrow path that will eventually lead us to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. I have wondered for myself if and why our church is so special and why my parents seem to build their family/foundation based on the Church’s’ precepts. It led me search and pray and I came to realize that the reason why we build our foundations on the Savior is because it is the only true thing that can give us everlasting happiness.
In the book of Daniel, it describes the Savior and the Gospel as a stone/rock rolling forth. (Daniel 2.) “The power and strength of a stone is also illustrated in Daniel’s declaration that a stone which the Lord cut out of the mountains would roll forth and break in pieces the gold, silver, brass, iron, and clay of the world. Daniel explained that the stone, being the kingdom which the God of Heaven would set in the earth, would outlast all kingdoms organized by the wisdom and strength of men.” By realizing this truth that Daniel prophesied, it gives us an even greater knowledge that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church because of the fact that it will outlast all of the kingdoms organized by man. By giving us this valuable piece of information, it gives us an even greater power to follow the prophet’s council.
Although everyone deep down knows the sacrifice that Christ made for us, they still seem to reject the fact that we need to live our lives in a manner that will make his sacrifice worthy of us. In Psalms 118:22, it says that “the stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.” Why do people refuse this stone and the builder of the stone? It seems evident that the reason that people reject our Savior and Heavenly Father is because of personal pride. People in today’s society are so selfish that they are more concerned with what pleases them in the present instead of what would bring them eternal happiness. In the scriptures it also describes the Savior as “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient.” (1 Pet. 2:8.) This means that if we decide not to follow the Savior, it will become an obstacle in our lives; those obstacles being temptations and trials, more so than would come their way if they were heeding the Lords council.
Truly putting our faith in the Lord and building our foundation on His foundation. That foundation is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Building our foundation on a solid base, it will enable us to be humble followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ. By becoming humble followers, we will in turn be able to assist others in seeing the blessings that come from building our foundations on Christ. Christ truly is the rock of our salvation, on which, if we build, we will not falter.
Works Cited
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=e1ba723ffec20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, no. 258
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
The Holy Bible
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14 comments:
Like the topic, your thoughts are solid, making a firm foundation in this discourse. The scripture references presented effective support for your ideas. Good work.
I really liked how you emphasized why we should build on Christ. It is true that following Him will give us everlasting happiness.
Adam, great blog. I like the way you used a hymn to help illustrate your point. I also like how you emphasized the importance of building upon Christ, our Salvation.
Thank you for your blog, it strengthened my testimony that this is the only true church. I enjoyed the story of Daniel, that was new to me. Thank you.
Your scripture references were very helpful in supporting your topic. Nice job!
Good hymn. I like how you state that Christ is the foundation for all our spiritual growth.
Without Christ we have nothing. Without him this entire plan would come to naught. So, he is truly the basis of our eternal Salvation. For everything he suffered, for everything he did, for everything he does and will do.
It is sad when people refuse the rock, of happy living and a happy eternity with Christ.
I love the dream that Daniel interpreted for King Nebecannezer because it reminds me that if I stay true and always do my best everything will work out even things aren't working out at the present. Thanks for referring to this dream.
I strongly agree with Christ being our foundation. When we build upon Him we are able to truly progress.
I love how the scripture about rocks and foundations came from Peter. It makes for a nice Greek word play on petros.
Great hymn choice. I like how you support all your points with scriptures and a testimony. Great job.
I especially liked the part about the stumbling block. That if we do not build upon the foundation of Christ, not only will our foundation be weak but we will fall no matter what.
I like the way that you say that as we become more humble that we will be able to bless other people's lives more.
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