Gemstones: Foundations of New Jerusalem, Part 2

[Study Aired January 20, 2026]

Introduction

Part 1 of this article established the twelve foundations of New Jerusalem as the apostolic testimony—the permanent, unchanging apostolic foundation resting upon Christ Who builds His church. We examined the testimony of the twelve apostles, the spiritual significance of the number twelve, and Christ’s role as the chief cornerstone. Now we turn to examine how these foundations fulfill what the High Priest’s breastplate foreshadowed, how the gates and foundations work together in God’s redemptive plan, and how divine glory fills the eternal city.

Throughout Scripture, God reveals His purpose through patterns of progression—from natural to spiritual, from shadow to substance, from type to fulfillment. Paul declares, “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual” (1 Corinthians 15:46). The High Priest’s breastplate represented the natural; New Jerusalem’s foundations reveal the spiritual. Understanding this progression illuminates God’s eternal purpose to transform humanity from the carnal Adamic nature into the spiritual Christic nature.

Comparison with the High Priest’s Breastplate

The High Priest’s breastplate and New Jerusalem’s foundations both display twelve precious stones representing complete governmental foundation, yet their differences reveal profound theological progression. Understanding these distinctions illuminates God’s redemptive plan moving from shadow to substance, from type to fulfillment.

The breastplate’s stones, specified in Exodus 28:17-20, included sardius, topaz, carbuncle, emerald, sapphire, diamond, ligure, agate, amethyst, beryl, onyx, and jasper. New Jerusalem’s foundations present jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth, and amethyst. Some stones appear in both lists—jasper, sapphire, emerald, beryl, topaz, amethyst—demonstrating continuity between old and new covenants. Both arrangements rest upon God’s unchanging character and purpose. Yet the divergent stones and altered sequence reveal that the new covenant fulfills but does not merely repeat the old.

The breastplate’s foursquare design, doubled to create a pouch for the Urim and Thummim, symbolized God revealing His will through the High Priest’s ministry. Israel approached God through Aaron, who bore their names upon his heart when entering the holy place. This arrangement typified Christ’s present ministry as our High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us. Paul explains, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). The breastplate demonstrated God’s present provision for His people under the old covenant—Aaron bearing their names, making intercession, seeking divine guidance.

New Jerusalem’s foundations, by contrast, represent the completed work of redemption—not ongoing intercession but eternal establishment. The twelve foundations bearing the apostles’ names declare that God has accomplished His purpose, finished the work, and established His people upon an unshakeable base. This explains why the foundations are exactly that—foundations supporting walls, not garments worn by priests. The completed building testifies to completed redemption.

The breastplate’s stones bore tribal names according to birth order—Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin. These names traced natural descent through Jacob’s sons, establishing identity through physical lineage. New Jerusalem’s foundations bear apostolic names representing spiritual calling, divine appointment, and direct revelation from Christ. The shift from tribal to apostolic names marks the transition from natural Israel to spiritual Israel, from physical descent to spiritual birth, from law to grace.

The arrangement of stones also differs significantly. The breastplate displayed four rows of three stones each, with specific stones occupying designated positions. New Jerusalem’s foundations present twelve distinct layers, each fully encircling the city’s base. This architectural difference reveals theological truth. The breastplate’s four rows symbolized the four corners of the earth—God’s people gathered from all nations, yet still organized by tribal division. New Jerusalem’s continuous foundations demonstrate complete unity—no division, no separation, all believers sharing equally in the same foundation. Paul declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). The unified foundation structure makes visible this spiritual reality.

Most significantly, the breastplate required continual maintenance and replacement as high priests died and new ones succeeded them. Aaron wore it, then Eleazar, then Phinehas, generation after generation. The physical stones remained, but the priest wearing them changed. New Jerusalem’s foundations, by contrast, require no replacement, no succession, no maintenance. They stand eternally fixed, supporting the city forever. This permanence reflects Christ’s superior priesthood, for He “continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood” (Hebrews 7:24). The apostolic foundation likewise endures forever, never requiring update or revision.

The progression from breastplate to foundations thus demonstrates redemption’s movement from temporary to permanent, partial to complete, shadowy to substantial. Both collections of twelve stones testify to God’s faithful government of His people, yet New Jerusalem’s foundations reveal the eternal reality toward which the breastplate always pointed.

The Gates and the Foundations

New Jerusalem’s twelve gates and twelve foundations work together to reveal complete truth about entering God’s presence and dwelling there securely. The gates provide entrance; the foundations ensure permanence. The gates bear the names of Israel’s twelve tribes; the foundations bear the names of the Lamb’s twelve apostles. This parallel structure demonstrates both continuity and progression in God’s redemptive plan.

John describes the gates: “And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates” (Revelation 21:12-13). The gates are positioned at each cardinal direction—three east, three north, three south, three west—permitting entrance from every point of the compass. This arrangement signifies universal access. Jesus declared, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). The gates’ orientation in all four directions makes visible this drawing of people from every nation.

The tribal names on the gates honor Israel’s role in redemptive history. God chose Abraham, established covenant with Isaac, blessed Jacob, and brought forth twelve tribes to be His special people. Through Israel came the promises, the covenants, the law, the prophets, and ultimately Christ Himself. Paul acknowledges, “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came” (Romans 9:4-5). The gates bearing tribal names testify that God’s purpose always centered on bringing salvation to all nations through Israel.

Yet entrance through gates bearing tribal names does not mean salvation comes through natural descent from Abraham. Rather, the gates testify that God’s covenant promises find fulfillment through Christ, the true Israelite, the true Son of Abraham, the true heir of all promises. Those who enter do so not by physical lineage but by spiritual birth. Jesus explained, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). The new birth, not natural birth, grants access through these gates.

The relationship between gates and foundations illuminates essential truth. Gates provide entrance but offer no permanent support; foundations bear weight and ensure stability. Similarly, we enter God’s kingdom through faith in Christ, but we remain in that kingdom through the solid foundation of apostolic doctrine. Paul warns, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14). The apostolic foundation provides stability against doctrinal deception, enabling believers to grow steadily toward maturity in Christ.

John notes that each gate consists of a single pearl: “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl” (Revelation 21:21). Pearls form through suffering—an oyster responding to irritation by coating the intruding particle with layer upon layer of nacre until a precious gem results. This process perfectly symbolizes Christ’s suffering producing our salvation. He endured the cross, despised the shame, and through His suffering opened the way into God’s presence. Entry through pearl gates means entering through Christ’s suffering, appropriating by faith what His sacrifice accomplished.

Yet Scripture also reveals that those who enter through this gate are called to follow the same pattern. While Christ’s suffering alone accomplishes redemption, those who belong to Him are appointed to be conformed to His image through shared affliction. Paul declares, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10). Again he explains, “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24).

These sufferings do not add to Christ’s finished redemptive work, for His sacrifice is complete and sufficient. Rather, they complete the application of that work within His body, as believers are shaped, refined, and transformed through the same process of obedience, endurance, and submission that Christ Himself walked. As the pearl forms through repeated layers produced by irritation, so believers are refined through tribulation, being clothed with Christ through endurance. Thus, those who enter through the pearl gates do not merely acknowledge Christ’s suffering—they are called to walk in His steps, bearing the cross appointed to them, until His life is fully revealed in them.

The gates remain perpetually open: “And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there is no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it” (Revelation 21:25-26). This openness signifies ongoing access to God’s presence. Christ does not admit believers once and then close the door. The way remains open, the invitation continues, the welcome never expires. This perpetual access contrasts sharply with the old covenant, where only the High Priest entered the most holy place, and only once yearly. Now, believers have “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-20). The open gates make visible this bold access.

The nations bringing their glory and honor into the city reveals the ultimate scope of redemption. God’s purpose extends beyond saving individuals to transforming entire nations. The kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. What began with twelve tribes becomes multitudes from every kindred, tongue, and people. The gates bearing tribal names thus point, not to exclusion, but to the divinely appointed means through which universal blessing flows. Abraham received the promise, “And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). The perpetually open gates, receiving glory from all nations, demonstrate this promise’s fulfillment.

The Glory of God and the Lamb

The twelve foundations, though magnificent in their beauty and essential to the city’s structure, serve ultimately to support and display God’s glory. John emphasizes that New Jerusalem requires neither sun nor moon for illumination: “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23). The city’s brilliance derives not from created luminaries but from the Creator’s unveiled presence.

Throughout Scripture, God’s glory represents His manifest presence, His revealed character, His visible excellence. When Moses requested, “I beseech thee, shew me thy glory” (Exodus 33:18), God responded by revealing His goodness, proclaiming His name, and displaying His mercy. Glory encompasses all that God is—His holiness, His love, His power, His wisdom, His righteousness, His truth. In New Jerusalem, this glory fills the city completely, requiring no secondary light source.

The designation “the Lamb” holds special significance. Throughout Revelation, Christ appears as the Lamb who was slain—simultaneously demonstrating His sacrificial death and His victorious resurrection. John introduces Him: “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth” (Revelation 5:6). The Lamb bears the marks of sacrifice yet exercises complete power (seven horns) and perfect knowledge (seven eyes). His death purchases redemption; His life sustains the redeemed.

When John declares the Lamb is the city’s light, he affirms that Christ’s finished work provides eternal illumination. The cross, which appeared as defeat and darkness, proves to be the source of perpetual light. Paul writes, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). The glory of God shines in Christ’s face—the Lamb who was slain yet lives forever.

The foundation’s precious stones interact with this divine light in magnificent ways. Each stone’s unique color, clarity, and brilliance reflects different aspects of God’s glory. The jasper’s transparency reveals purity; the sapphire’s blue declares sovereignty; the emerald’s green testifies to life; the sardius’s red speaks of sacrifice. United in one foundation, these stones create a spectrum of reflected glory, demonstrating that God’s character encompasses infinite dimensions of excellence.

John’s description of the city’s appearance emphasizes its relationship to light: “Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal” (Revelation 21:11). The entire city manifests God’s glory like a jasper stone—perfectly clear, utterly transparent, radiantly beautiful. This clarity means nothing obscures God’s presence. No sin dims His light, no rebellion clouds His revelation, no darkness interrupts His manifestation.

The promise finds complete fulfillment: “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads” (Revelation 22:3-4). Seeing God’s face—the ultimate expression of intimate fellowship—becomes the believers’ eternal privilege.

The apostolic foundations make this glory accessible to all nations. John observes, “And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it” (Revelation 21:24). The nations walk in this light because the apostles proclaimed it to the world. The apostolic testimony, preserved in Scripture and supported by these twelve foundations, continues drawing people to God’s light.

This perpetual illumination fulfills ancient prophecy. Isaiah declared, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:1-3). New Jerusalem represents this prophecy’s complete fulfillment—the city arising in splendor, God’s glory shining forth, nations streaming to its light.

The relationship between God and the Lamb as the city’s joint light source reveals the unity of Father and Son. Jesus declared, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). This unity extends beyond mere agreement to essential oneness of being. The glory of God and the light of the Lamb function together as one source of illumination because the Father and Son share one divine nature. Yet the Son’s unique role as the Lamb—the sacrifice who purchased redemption—means He manifests this glory specifically through His redemptive work. We see God’s glory most clearly in the Lamb’s sacrifice.

The Eternal City Realized

When John describes New Jerusalem, he notes, “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it” (Revelation 21:22). The entire city exists as God’s dwelling place, with Christ and the Father functioning as the temple. The cornerstone becomes the temple itself—not a component of something greater, but the very presence that fills all things.

The twelve foundations supporting this city’s walls demonstrate that God’s eternal dwelling rests upon the apostolic testimony concerning Christ. Everything the apostles proclaimed finds its ultimate vindication when New Jerusalem descends. Their testimony about Christ’s virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension to the Father, present high priestly ministry, and coming glory—all proves eternally true.

The progression from natural to spiritual reaches its culmination. What began with Adam formed from dust concludes with glorified saints transformed into Christ’s image. The pattern God established from creation—transforming natural humanity through process into spiritual maturity—finds its perfect fulfillment. Paul explains, “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly” (1 Corinthians 15:47-49).

The foundations garnished with precious stones testify that this transformation produces genuine beauty, lasting value, and eternal glory. Each believer becomes a living stone in God’s spiritual temple, reflecting divine glory through transformed character. Peter writes, “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” (1 Peter 2:5). The precious stones adorning the foundations represent believers glorified and perfected.

The measurements of the city reveal divine perfection. The wall stands twelve thousand furlongs high, the same measurement as its length and breadth, forming a perfect cube. This cube recalls the Most Holy Place in Solomon’s temple, which also measured as a cube—twenty cubits by twenty cubits by twenty cubits. The entire city becomes the Holy of Holies, filled with God’s presence, accessible to all who enter through the gates of pearl.

Conclusion

The twelve foundations of New Jerusalem reveal the culmination of God’s eternal purpose. What the High Priest’s breastplate foreshadowed through natural representation, the foundations fulfill through spiritual reality. The tribes gave way to apostles, the temporary to the permanent, the shadowy to the substantial.

The gates and foundations work together, demonstrating that entrance comes through Israel’s Messiah (gates bearing tribal names) while permanence rests upon apostolic testimony (foundations bearing apostolic names). The pearl gates testify to Christ’s suffering; the precious stone foundations testify to His glory. Together they declare that salvation flows from God’s covenant faithfulness to Israel, extends to all nations through Christ, and establishes believers upon the unchanging foundation of apostolic doctrine.

The glory of God and the Lamb fills this city with perpetual light, requiring no sun or moon. The foundations’ precious stones reflect this glory in myriad colors and brilliance, making visible the infinite excellence of God’s character. What once could only be approached with fear now invites intimate fellowship. What once required High Priestly mediation now permits direct access. What once admitted one priest once yearly now welcomes multitudes perpetually.

The transformation from natural to spiritual, from Adam to Christ, from carnal to glorified finds its perfect completion when New Jerusalem descends. The pattern established from creation—God forming natural humanity with the express purpose of transforming them into spiritual maturity—reaches its intended goal. Every believer stands upon the apostolic foundation, built together into a holy temple, reflecting divine glory, dwelling in God’s immediate presence forever.

As we await this city’s descent, we live according to its principles now. We stand upon the apostolic foundation, refusing all teaching that contradicts Scripture. We enter through the gates of pearl, acknowledging that Christ’s suffering alone opens the way to God. We reflect divine glory however imperfectly, being transformed from glory to glory by the Spirit. We maintain hope in the city’s complete manifestation, knowing that present suffering cannot compare with coming glory.

The precious stones adorning the foundations—jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth, amethyst—each declare specific aspects of redemption. Individually, they receive detailed examination in separate articles within this series. Collectively, they testify that God’s redemptive work encompasses every dimension of transformation necessary to bring natural humanity into spiritual glory.

The twelve apostles whose names grace these foundations did not appoint themselves. Christ chose them, revealed truth to them, commissioned them, and preserved their testimony in Scripture. Their words form the permanent record of divine revelation—complete, sufficient, eternally established. No subsequent teaching can improve upon it, no new revelation can supersede it, no doctrinal development can replace it. The foundation is laid; the city will be built according to its pattern.

John’s vision concludes with an invitation that echoes across the ages: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). The foundations support this invitation. The gates stand perpetually open. The glory fills the city with light. The Lamb who was slain yet lives provides eternal life to all who come.

May we, by God’s grace, be found standing upon this unshakeable foundation when New Jerusalem descends from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. May we enter through the pearl gates, walk on streets of gold, drink from the river of life, eat from the tree that yields twelve manner of fruits, see God’s face, and serve Him in His eternal city—built upon the foundation of the apostles of the Lamb, illuminated by the glory of God and the light of the Lamb, secured forever by Christ the chief cornerstone.

“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

Gemstones: Foundations of New Jerusalem, Part 1

Introduction

[Study Aired January 13, 2026]

When the apostle John received the revelation of New Jerusalem descending from heaven, he witnessed the culmination of God’s eternal purpose—a city whose very foundation stones declared the completed work of redemption. God showed him that great city: “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst” (Revelation 21:14, 19-20).

These twelve foundations constitute the final major context where gemstones appear in Scripture. The High Priest’s breastplate displayed twelve jewels bearing the names of Israel’s twelve tribes (Exodus 28:15-21), symbolizing Christ bearing His people before the Father. The anointed cherub in Eden was covered with nine precious stones (Ezekiel 28:13), representing natural humanity’s created carnal state facing judgement. Now, in New Jerusalem’s foundations, we witness the eternal fulfillment: not the old covenant’s twelve tribes, not the natural man’s covering and judgement, but the twelve apostles of the Lamb upon whom Christ builds His church.

As we know, the number twelve consistently marks divine government and foundational authority—a pattern we will examine more fully later in this study. Christ promised His disciples, “Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28), establishing their governmental authority as foundational to His kingdom. Paul confirmed this spiritual architecture: “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).

Understanding these foundations requires recognizing the progression from natural to spiritual that pervades all Scripture. Paul declares, “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual” (1 Corinthians 15:46). The natural came first—Aaron bearing Israel’s tribes upon his heart. The spiritual follows—Christ and His apostles forming the eternal base of God’s true temple, the church of the living God.

The Apostolic Foundation

When God revealed New Jerusalem’s structure to John, He emphasized that its wall possessed twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This detail establishes the apostolic testimony as the permanent, unchanging bedrock upon which Christ builds His church. The Greek word for foundation (themelios, G2310) denotes that upon which a structure rests—the substructure supporting everything above. The word precious (timios, G5093) means valuable, honored, esteemed—revealing that these foundational gemstones possess both material worth and spiritual significance.

Paul uses complementary architectural language when instructing Timothy: “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). The church functions as the pillar and foundation of truth—not creating truth, but supporting and upholding it through apostolic testimony.

Christ established this truth when He declared to Peter: “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” (Matthew 16:18). The context reveals what rock Christ meant. Peter had confessed, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Christ responded, “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). The rock is not Peter himself but the revelation Peter received—the testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Paul explicitly confirms: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). The foundation is Christ—yet the apostles proclaim Him, testify of Him, reveal Him. Their testimony becomes the essential bedrock because it declares Christ.

The Testimony of the Twelve

The twelve apostles of the Lamb received direct appointment from Christ during His earthly ministry. Their unique position as eyewitnesses to His resurrection qualified them to establish the church’s doctrinal foundation. Peter explains the criteria when selecting Matthias to replace Judas: “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection” (Acts 1:21-22). This unique qualification could never be repeated, making the twelve apostles an unrepeatable foundation.

Their testimony possesses absolute authority because it derives from direct revelation. Paul declared, “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11-12). The apostles received their doctrine directly from the Lord, establishing it as our unchanging standard.

John emphasizes the physical, tangible nature of their witness: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). They testified to what they heard, saw, examined, and touched—the incarnate Word made flesh.

The permanence of their testimony finds expression in the twelve foundation layers. Jesus promised, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The apostles’ words, being Christ’s words communicated through them, possess the same enduring quality. Peter declares, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Peter 1:23). The apostolic word lives and abides forever, serving as the incorruptible seed producing new birth in every generation.

The Spiritual Significance of Twelve

The number twelve appears throughout Scripture as the number of governmental foundation and divine administration. God’s sovereign purpose operates through established numerical patterns, and twelve consistently represents complete government under His authority.

The pattern begins with Israel’s twelve tribes, descended from Jacob’s twelve sons. When Christ established the new covenant, He chose twelve apostles to form the governmental base of His church. Matthew records, “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease” (Matthew 10:1). The twelve received authority to extend Christ’s ministry, representing complete delegation of His power.

New Jerusalem’s structure reinforces this governmental significance through multiple instances of twelve: twelve gates named for the twelve tribes, twelve angels at the gates, twelve foundations bearing the twelve apostles’ names, walls measuring twelve thousand furlongs, and the tree of life yielding twelve manner of fruits. This comprehensive use demonstrates that God’s eternal city operates under perfect government—nothing lacking, nothing excessive, all things ordered according to His wisdom.

The multiplication within twelve carries additional significance. Twelve equals three times four, combining these spiritually significant numbers. Three represents process, witness, and resurrection—Christ rising on the third day, Jonah in the fish’s belly three days and nights. Four represents universality and wholeness—the four corners of the earth, the four winds. When three (transformative process) multiplies by four (whole manifestation), the result is twelve (complete government through transformative process).

Christ as the Chief Cornerstone

While New Jerusalem’s wall possesses twelve foundations bearing the apostles’ names, Scripture emphasizes that Jesus Christ Himself functions as the chief cornerstone—the primary stone upon which all other stones rest and align. Paul declares, “And 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” (Ephesians 2:20-21). The apostolic foundation supports believers, yet Christ as cornerstone supports the apostolic foundation itself.

The cornerstone in ancient building practice served multiple critical functions. First, it established the structure’s precise location and orientation. Second, it joined two walls at a critical junction, binding them into one unified whole. Third, it bore extraordinary weight, supporting both walls simultaneously. Fourth, it determined the entire edifice’s shape.

Christ fulfills each aspect perfectly. He establishes the church’s location and orientation—positioned in heavenly places, oriented toward eternal realities. He joins disparate elements into one unified whole. Paul explains, “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace” (Ephesians 2:14-15). Christ as cornerstone joins believing Jews and believing Gentiles into one temple, one body, one new man.

He bears the full weight of God’s judgment and humanity’s sin. Isaiah prophesied, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5). The cornerstone bears what no other stone could support.

He determines the building’s perfect form. Believers are being “conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). Christ’s perfection establishes the pattern; the church’s transformation consists in being shaped according to His image.

Peter references the prophecy concerning this cornerstone: “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” (1 Peter 2:6-7). Those who build upon Christ find stability; those who reject Him encounter destruction.

This supreme position explains why Christ alone can save. Peter proclaimed, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). If Christ is the cornerstone—the foundation upon which all else rests—then removing Him collapses the entire structure.

The Twelve Precious Stones

The twelve foundations, garnished with gemstones of extraordinary beauty and value, declare specific spiritual realities concerning Christ’s redemptive work. God specified the precise order: jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth, and amethyst. While each stone receives comprehensive individual examination in separate articles within this series, their collective significance illuminates the complete picture of salvation.

The first foundation stone, jasper (iaspis, G2393), appears elsewhere in Revelation describing God’s appearance: “And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald” (Revelation 4:3). Jasper appears as both the first foundation stone and the stone describing God Himself, demonstrating that the foundation of all things is God’s own nature and character.

The second foundation, sapphire (sappheiros, G4552), recalls the pavement under God’s feet: “And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness” (Exodus 24:10). The sapphire’s heavenly blue represents divine authority and submission to God’s sovereign rule.

The complete sequence reveals a comprehensive gospel message. Beginning with jasper (God’s glory) and concluding with amethyst (royal priesthood), the progression reveals how God transforms carnal beings into glorified saints. The emerald’s vivid green testifies to resurrection power and new creation. The sardius, deep red as blood, points to the sacrifice that purchases redemption. The chrysolite’s golden-yellow speaks of divine light and illumination. Each stone contributes essential truth, and together they form an unbreakable foundation supporting God’s eternal purpose.

These stones differ from those on the High Priest’s breastplate—examined thoroughly in our two-part study ‘The High Priest’s Breastplate’—demonstrating the transition from old covenant to new. The breastplate’s stones bore the names of Israel’s twelve tribes, representing God’s people according to natural descent. New Jerusalem’s foundations bear the twelve apostles’ names, representing God’s people according to spiritual birth.

Conclusion

The twelve foundations of New Jerusalem, garnished with precious stones and bearing the names of the Lamb’s twelve apostles, declare God’s completed redemptive work. These foundations represent the culmination of a pattern established from creation—God’s purpose to transform natural humanity into spiritual maturity.

Though New Jerusalem descends from heaven as a future reality, its foundational truths apply immediately to us. The apostolic testimony supports our present standing, governs our current doctrine, and stabilizes our ongoing walk with God. Living according to apostolic teaching means submitting to Scripture’s authority in all matters of faith and practice. This future hope of the city’s complete manifestation sustains us through present trials, for Paul explains, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

Christ Himself functions as the chief cornerstone upon which these foundations rest. The apostolic testimony derives its authority from Him, points exclusively to Him, and exists to reveal Him. No other foundation can be laid than that which is laid—Jesus Christ.

For us living in this present age, these foundations provide both immediate application and future hope. We stand currently upon the apostolic testimony, submitting to Scripture’s authority, maintaining doctrinal purity, and growing in grace through revealed truth. Simultaneously, we anticipate the city’s complete manifestation when we shall see God face to face and dwell in His presence forever.

The transformation God accomplishes operates through the foundation of apostolic teaching. This foundation cannot fail, for it rests upon Christ the cornerstone. It cannot change, for God’s word endures forever. It cannot prove insufficient, for it contains all things necessary for life and godliness.

In Part 2 of this article, we will examine how these foundations fulfill what the High Priest’s breastplate foreshadowed, explore the relationship between the twelve gates and twelve foundations, and discover how God’s glory fills this eternal city. Each precious stone will reveal additional layers of spiritual meaning, deeper appreciation for God’s wisdom, and fuller understanding of His redemptive purpose.

The foundations bearing the apostles’ names support the gracious invitation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). May we, by His grace, be found standing upon this unshakeable foundation when New Jerusalem descends from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Gospels In Harmony

Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:31, 38-42

The Burial of Jesus All Hope is Lost

[Review Study Aired March 14, 2023]

Mark 15:42a And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
John 19:31b (for that sabbath day was an high day,)
Luke 23:50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
Matthew 27:57b who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
John 19:38b but secretly for fear of the Jews,
Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
Mark 15:42b which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
Mark 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
Mark 15:46a And he bought fine linen, and took him down,
John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
John 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
John 19:42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
Mark 15:46c and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

In our last study the Jews were concerned that the bodies of those who were crucified would remain on the cross on the Sabbath, which was a high day, so they asked Pilate to have their legs broken and their bodies taken away. The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and the other who were crucified with Jesus. However, when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead and did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and blood and water came out. The one who saw this bore witness to it, and his testimony is true so that others may believe. These things were done so that the scripture would be fulfilled, which says that not a bone of Jesus shall be broken and that they would look on him whom they pierced. (John 19:31-37)

Christ has now fulfilled the prophecies of his death

Isaiah 53:9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Psalm 22: 14-16 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Christ now fulfills the prophecy of his burial.

Deuteronomy 21:22-23 And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

Joseph makes a request for Christ’s body so he can bury him before the sabbath begins.

Mark 15:42a And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
John 19:31b (for that sabbath day was an high day,)
Luke 23:50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
Matthew 27:57b who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:
John 19:38b but secretly for fear of the Jews,
Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
Mark 15:42b which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
Mark 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
Mark 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

Joseph being granted by Pilate he retrieved Christ’s body from the cross and prepared him for burial along with Nicodemus.

Mark 15:46a And he bought fine linen, and took him down,
John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

They wrapped him in “fine linen”. This is a symbol of Christ overcoming the sin of the world.

Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Zec 3:3-5 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

They laid him in a new tomb.

John 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
John 19:42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
Mark 15:46c and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

Isaiah 53:9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

The women join them.

Mark 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

Can you imagine the grieving of all the disciples and followers of Christ? At this point they surely have lost all the hope they received from Christ.

Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

In their minds everything is lost. Their savior is dead and all things continue as though he never existed. The Jews begin the practices of their traditions and are celebrating the death of Christ. He spoke of his Father and they believed the lies of Satan and sought to kill him and succeeded.

John 8:38-47 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, [even] God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God.

The followers of Christ are being crushed to powder which is what must happen. The stone that covered the grave serves a purpose of grinding them to powder.

Exodus 32:20-21 And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt [it] in the fire, and ground [it] to powder, and strawed [it] upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink [of it]. And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?

Matthew 21:42-44 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? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Psa 118:19  Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
Psa 118:20  This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
Psa 118:21  I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
Psa 118:22  The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Psa 118:23  This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

God’s goodness will be revealed in leading us unto repentance and giving us the ability to not despise the chastening of the Lord (Pro 3:11) which happens to every son who is being received of God and having “the gates of righteousness” open unto them. His children will mature as a kind of first fruits (Jas 1:18) to a point of acceptance and great rejoicing in knowing that His grace is sufficient for us in this age, and God’s goodness will be expressed through Jesus Christ as he works in the lives of His children with a spirit of “forbearance and longsuffering” which is needed in order to lead us to repentance.

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness [Col 1:27] and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing [2Pe 3:18] that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

2Pe 3:17  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
2Pe 3:18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Pro 3:11  My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Heb 12:7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Heb 12:8  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Heb 12:9  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Heb 12:10  For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

2Co 12:8  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

In this study we will look at how it is only through Christ our high priest that we enter into those narrow strait gates of holiness “and live” (Mat 7:13) where “I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD” because it is God who is working in us both to will and to do this, that is our hope.

Heb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. [Rev 3:11]
Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Php 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

We are instructed in Romans 11 to Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off”, and as we just read in Romans 2:4 it is “…the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering;” that we are not to despise in this process of spiritual completion through judgment we are experiencing, a process which witnesses to the reality that we are God’s workmanship being created in Christ Jesus in this age, that “we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ” (Joh 21:18, Eph 2:10, Eph 1:12). God’s workmanship is all centered around the temple that we are and typified by the living sacrifices which the high priests offered daily. All those sacrifices in the temple represent the lifetime of presenting ourselves to God as a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service to Him (Rom 1:12, Heb 13:13).

How we walk in those sacrifices

Joh 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. [Jer 1:14-19, 1Pe 4:17]

Jer 1:14  Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.
Jer 1:15  For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah. [Psa 118:19]
Jer 1:16  And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.
Jer 1:17  Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.
Jer 1:18  For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.
Jer 1:19  And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee. [1Jn 4:4]

1Pe 4:17. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1Pe 4:18  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
1Pe 4:19  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. [Joh 21:18]

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Heb 7:19  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. [Col 1:27]

Heb 7:23  And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
Heb 7:24  But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. [Mal 3:6]
Heb 7:25  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Heb 7:26  For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; [Eph 1:21, Eph 6:12]
Heb 7:27  Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

We naturally despise this process of judgment until our hearts are supernaturally softened (Eze 36:26) as God causes us to walk in the light of Christ (1Jn 1:7, Joh 6:44, Joh 8:36) who alone can “bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.” (Psa 118:27). We present ourselves as that living sacrifice (Rom 12:1) being bound to the horns of the altar that represents the cross and the redemptive power of God (1Jn 1:7, 1Jn 2:2). Looking at these promises of God and being reminded that Christ is the author and finisher of our faith (Php 1:6) brings us to these hope-filled verses which discuss the impossibility of our being separated from the “love of Christ” that has the body of Christ bound together in love (Rom 8:31-39, Col 3:13-17, Eph 4:15-16).

Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Col 3:13  Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Col 3:14  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Col 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Col 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Col 3:17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

When the word of God is dwelling in you richly in all wisdom you will be filled with God’s spirit and able to be “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”, that is what it means to say “The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation”.

Eph 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Eph 5:19  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Act 11:24  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Psa 118:19  Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:

When God opens to us “the gates of righteousness” it is a result of our being dragged to Him and being given hearts that are prepared to open the door when we hear Him knocking.

Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Mat 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mat 13:16. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

When we are given to truly see how blessed we are in this age to know God and Jesus Christ and His body, it is “At that day” (Joh 14:20) “I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD“.

Joh 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Joh 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

Joh 18:9  That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.

Psa 118:20  This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

This gate of the LORD” is the mind of Christ that God has given to very few in this age, and it is through Christ “into which the righteous shall enter” where we “…come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”.

1Co 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Eph 1:6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
Eph 1:7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Psa 118:21  I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.

When Christ came into Jerusalem “upon a colt the foal of an ass” it was for our sakes as a living admonition of how it is only through Christ taking control of that beast, which represents humanity (Ecc 3:18, Joh 2:15) that we can become “lowly” as He was and share in bringing salvation to the world through Christ.

Zec 9:9  Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

Isa 66:2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

Oba 1:21  And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.

The way to salvation is through the bruising and stripes which Christ’s body go through in this life that is typified by the “branches of palm” and their “garments” that were spread and strawed “in the way“. It is through the trials and temptations “branches of palm” and their “garments” that were spread and strawed “in the way” which we go through, that God’s power is made manifest so we can be a people with a “poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word”.

Joh 12:13  Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. [Psa 118:19]

Mat 21:8  And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

Exo 15:24  And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
Exo 15:25  And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
Exo 15:26  And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Exo 15:27  And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

Gen 30:36  And he set three days‘ journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.
Gen 30:37  And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.
Gen 30:38  And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.

Isa 53:5  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Gen 30:41  And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.

God’s elect “will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation“.

Luk 19:40  And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
Luk 19:41  And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Luk 19:42  Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

Psa 118:22  The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Psa 118:23  This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

To reject the cornerstone is to reject Christ and His Christ (Mat 10:40, Joh 13:20, 1Sa 8:7) who were created to be the foundational part of God’s plan and purpose. The imagery of the disciple whom Jesus loved leaning on his bosom and Christ telling Peter that he was the stone (Peter) that would be built upon the rock (Jesus) are two examples which demonstrate the strength and assurance that we can have in our Lord as members of His body. This high calling we have in Christ “is the LORD’S doing” and “it is marvellous in our eyes” as it was “determined before to be done” and “predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will”.

Act 4:26  The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
Act 4:27  For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Act 4:28  For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Rev 7:4  And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Joh 13:23  Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Mat 16:18 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.

Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance^G2820 [Heb 1:4, 1Jn 3:1], being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Heb 1:4  Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance^G2820 obtained a more excellent name than they.

1Jn 3:1  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Eph 1:12  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Eph 1:13  In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Eph 1:14  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

The cornerstone (or foundation stone or setting stone) is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornerstone

Next week, Lord willing, we’ll look at the last six verses of Psalm 118. where the focus will be on the spiritual fruit that is born in the body of Christ as a result of being  bound “unto the horns of the altar”.

Psa 118:24  This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psa 118:25  Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Psa 118:26  Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Psa 118:27  God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
Psa 118:28  Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
Psa 118:29  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

“From a strangers hand”

September 15, 2017

Getting exciting news from someone seems to pull us into the excitement ourselves. Likewise, hearing of sad or bad news tends to bring us down as well.

I’ve often wondered how the “good news” is considered good when most of humanity is doomed to spend their eternity in hell, according to mainstream Christianity.

I myself used to think of the good news as being good because this was the information that someone needed in order to escape the fiery doom awaiting them at their physical death.

Since I have matured in my understanding of scripture, I of course have learned that this fiery hellhole simply does not exist in the ways that a majority of professed Christians believe, but I have also learned that “taking someone else’s word for it”, and then applying it to my own walk with God, is simply just becoming an accomplice to ignorance of scripture.

We are going to look at this concept of “taking someone else’s word for it”, in our study today, and examine how the Lord tells us to handle this mindset in His temple.

Leviticus 22:24  Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.
Leviticus 22:25  Neither from a stranger’s hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in them: they shall not be accepted for you.

In our last study, we looked out how the Lord does not accept anything that has a blemish of any sort. We also saw that a son of Aaron could not fulfill the office of the priesthood if he were brokenhanded or broken footed. You could partake of the “bread of God”, but you could not serve it at the altar.

With our verses today, we read that we cannot offer the bread of God from a strangers hand because of the corruption that is in them. Since we are not offering physical sacrifices today, as the priests of God, what does this mean for us spiritually? How do we offer spiritual bread or not?

I purposely used the doctrine of hell and hellfire earlier to help explain this concept.
Most babes in Christ believe in the doctrine of salvation from hell and punishment. Hence, the altar call is very popular. Even if most Christians disagree on details of this doctrine, and they do, the overall concept is the same. Be saved or burn!

So, as a new babe in Christ, and after becoming a member of a various denomination, I could easily start propagating the doctrine of hellfire. This is the spiritual equivalent of taking from a strangers hand and offering the bread of your God. What then is the “bread” of God spiritually speaking? We will just touch the surface of this with this study.

In order to connect this idea with scripture, we will read a few examples of this.

Luke 4:3  And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
Luke 4:4  And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2  The same was in the beginning with God.

Who is the Word of God?

John 6:33  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

We shall not live by bread of God alone but also by His Word. That seem interesting. Why did the devil challenge Jesus to turn a “stone” into bread? What can stones represent?

Ephesians 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Ephesians 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Ephesians 2:21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Ephesians 2:22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Peter 2:7  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,
1 Peter 2:8  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 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Matthew 7:8  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matthew 7:9  Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Matthew 21:42  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?
Matthew 21:43  Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Matthew 21:44  And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Luke 19:38  Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Luke 19:39  And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Luke 19:40  And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

There is a big difference on us falling on the stone and becoming broken versus the Stone falling on us and grinding us to powder. See, something broken can be mended in most cases. Something ground to powder is changed altogether.

Someone healed physically will still die, as was seen with the miraculous healings performed by Jesus. However, “greater things than these” will we do.

From the verses we just read, we can see that Jesus is the bread of God, the Word of God and the chief corner stone of the temple of God.

Where then do we fit in as His disciples indeed, as His friends and as His kings and priests in spirit?

John 6:33  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
John 6:34  Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
John 6:35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 6:36  But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

John 6:48  I am that bread of life.

John 6:51  I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Wait, it gets even better for us!

Acts 2:46  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

1 Corinthians 5:8  Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

1 Corinthians 10:16  The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
1 Corinthians 10:17  For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1 Corinthians 10:18  Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

We then can conclude that we are one bread, one word and part of the one Temple of God which has various stones making the one temple.

Why have I taken the time read these familiar and various verses? Once we know what the bread is and that we are A PART of that bread, then we can then understand why it is we are commanded NOT to offer the bread of God from the hand of a stranger.

The bread of God that is being spoken of physically in Leviticus 22 was prepared, handled and ministered by the priests of God. Likewise, the sacrifices were brought and dealt with in various ways by the priests.

Therefore, as priests offering sacrifices to God upon His altar, how can we take the bread of God from a strangers hand who has NO RIGHT to EAT of that altar?

I used the example of hell fire earlier to prove this point. How can I say I am a priest of God, handling the things of His temple and altar, and then proclaim things from the Word of God that I have ONLY HEARD others tell me about?

How can I claim that a doctrine is true or false if I have only HEARD it from the mouth of another without also doing the work of CONFIRMING it to be so?

Hebrews 13:9  BE NOT CARRIED ABOUT WITH DIVERS AND STRANGE DOCTRINE. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Hebrews 13:10  We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.

Look at how bread is mentioned in these next verses as it pertains to WORK.

2 Corinthians 9:6  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
2 Corinthians 9:7  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
2 Corinthians 9:9  (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
2 Corinthians 9:10  Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

I dare say, that while this is speaking about physical “bread for your food”, there is a much more important BREAD that feeds my SPIRIT! The seed sown is for the INCREASING of the FRUITS of the SPIRIT of GOD.

2 Thessalonians 3:6  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
2 Thessalonians 3:7  For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
2 Thessalonians 3:8  Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
2 Thessalonians 3:9  Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
2 Thessalonians 3:10  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Again, these verses of course are speaking about laboring so that we are not chargeable to anyone or a burden, but it is not and CANNOT be only speaking about PHYSICAL things. It is inspired by the Holy Spirit of God to convey to us that we are to WALK ORDERLY after the tradition we have been TAUGHT.

We eat the SAME BREAD Christ offered, of which He is, and He is the Word of God. Those that stumble at the chief corner stone are those who waver and are blown around with DIVERS DOCTRINES.

These are the same doctrines, or bread, that we are NOT to offer or sacrifice to God. Now, apply the verses in Leviticus that we started with today, to yourself inwardly. Try the spirits within this study, and which are also within you to see if these verses apply to us today.

Leviticus 22:24  Ye shall not offer unto the LORD that which is bruised, or crushed, or broken, or cut; neither shall ye make any offering thereof in your land.
Leviticus 22:25  Neither from a stranger’s hand shall ye offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in them: they shall not be accepted for you.

If we are being told to offer only the bread of God back to God, then it must be bread which is prepared in His temple by His priests. Then, it is sacrificed to God.

Practically speaking, this is simply us learning of the bread of life, the Word of God and then sowing that in our hearts and minds so that it can bring forth fruit.

How can we do this? We must WORK OUT our own salvation with fear and trembling knowing that it is God who both wills and does it all within His temple.

It is acknowledging that the things we learn are not SMOOTH things to hear, but are necessary for the STONE to fall and crush us to powder.

It is acknowledging that we are loved by our Father, but with that love comes chastening grace which TEACHES us Godliness.

Lastly, it is a terrible road to travel to compare ourselves among ourselves when it comes to looking on others and the “perceived” work that is being worked. Yes, we can perceive fruits of the Spirit in one another, but COMPARING ourselves and what the Lord is doing with us, to others in the body of Christ, is fallacy at its best.

We are ONE BREAD and therefore we are all being formed into what is needed for the ONE BODY, and we certainly will not look the same in the shaping of being created into functioning parts of a healthy body.