“My Rock and My Salvation”
After Peter’s declaration of his Spirit-prompted testimony-that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God-Jesus said: “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:16-18; italics added.) “What rock?” Joseph Smith asked. The modern Seer then answered simply: “Revelation.” (Teachings, p, 274; italics added.) In one sense, then, the Church of Jesus Christ in any age is built upon the granite foundation of modern and current and continuing revelation. In another but related sense, the rock of which the Lord speaks is his gospel itself, as well as the doctrines associated with it. To the assembled multitude in America, the risen Lord explained: “And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.” (3 Nephi 11:38-39.) To an anxious and eager Hyrum Smith the Lord taught: “You need not suppose that you are called to preach until you are called. Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine.” The Master then counseled: “Seek the Kingdom of God, and all things shall be added according to that which is just. Build upon my rock, which is my gospel. ” (D&C 11:15-16, 23-24.)
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