“…on THIS ROCK I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matt. 16:18)
In a discussion between Jesus and His disciples Jesus asked the question: “…who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15)
Peter responded…“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16)
Jesus then revealed the meaning of this “ROCK”. “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but MY FATHER who is in heaven.” (Matt. 16:17) By divine revelation there is a mutual understanding, a “ROCK” strong enough for Jesus to build His church on.
“I will give you the KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 16:19)
Represent the authority to open the way for people to “enter into the Kingdom of God.”
GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS…
-Bill Stockham