Matthew 16:18 And I say also to you, That you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I. WHAT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS. II. AS TO THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH. 1. Negatively. Not Peter. (1) He was but a man. (2) Peter was a frail mortal man. (3) Peter was a sinful man. (4) Peter determines the point himself, and expounds the prophecy in Isaiah of Christ (1 Peter 2:4). (5) Peter, as mere Peter, could never victoriously grapple with the assaults of Satan.Some assert that Peter was the foundation in a secondary sense. (1) This secondary foundation is an absurd distinction, and contrary to the very nature of a foundation. (2) It would have to be extended to all the apostles. 2. Positively — that Christ is the only true foundation of the Church. (1) God the Father selected no other. (2) Christ asserts no other. (3) The Holy Spirit fits no other. (4) Only Christ can withstand the gates of hell. III. THE DURATION OF THE CHURCH, IN SOME STATE OF VISIBILITY THROUGHOUT ALL AGES. 1. The Church's opposites" the gates of hell." 2. Their great undertakings. IV. COMFORT FOR ALL TRUE MEMBERS. OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. 1. Let holy souls be comforted in this — that no weapon formed against Mount Zion shall finally prosper. 2. The Church, after all assaults and conflicts, shall be completely victorious, she shall joyfully survive her enemies, and behold their funerals. (S. Lee, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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