The spiritual hearts represented by the 12 foundation stones of the city wall of New Jerusalem
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February 16, 2014 |
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"The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst" (Revelation 21:19-20).
 The first foundation stone, 'Jasper'
The blue color of this jasper symbolizes 'spiritual faith'. If we keep the Words in the Bible telling us to do, not to do, to keep, and to throw away, we can stand on the rock of faith. Then spiritual faith starts to be given to us. One who has the spiritual faith completely believes in the Word of God from the depths of his heart. With spiritual faith, when Abraham was going to offer Isaac, he believed in God 100% and obeyed Him even if the Word of God was contrary to his own knowledge and thought.
 The second foundation stone, 'Sapphire'
This dark blue colored sapphire symbolizes upright and noble honesty and integrity. Once a person has made a choice in the truth with this heart, he does not submit to any temptation or threats of this world. Daniel, who knew he would be thrown into lion's den but didn't commit sin of ceasing to pray, and Daniel's 3 friends, who didn't bow down before idols even when they were going to be thrown into a furnace—they had such a heart. Even though they might have lost their lives, they wouldn't forsake truth.
 The third foundation stone, 'Chalcedony'
The chalcedony that is semi-transparent and white in color represents 'innocence and sacrificial love'. It is the blameless heart that is without faults. It is the heart that expects nothing in return, but sacrifices for the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The heart of Ruth, who could unchangingly serve and follow her aged mother-in-law falls into the criteria of this standard. The heart of giving all one has in the truth without expecting anything in return is the spiritual heart that this chalcedony represents.
 The fourth foundation stone, 'Emerald'
The Emerald that has a green color symbolizes "righteousness and clearness" and "justness and cleanness." It is the same color of "the fruit of Light" (Ephesians 5:9). If we are only good, but short of righteousness, we may become indecisive and compromise with unrighteousness. If we are only righteous, but short of goodness, then we may insist only on our self-righteousness and frameworks and distance ourselves far from the will of God. We are only focusing on what is right and what is wrong; chances are that we may not save lives.
 The fifth foundation stone, 'Sardonyx'
Sardonyx is the onyx containing Sard, which is 'shades of red'. It symbolizes 'hardworking faithfulness.' The hardworking faithfulness that God recognizes is to do our duty with all our heart, mind, soul, and life. To be faithful in a field we work for, we must have a righteous heart and the heart of sacrifice. To the extent we have such a heart of goodness, we will not incline to one side or another, but take care of all things. To be faithful in all aspects, we must have this heart of goodness.
 The sixth foundation stone, 'Sardius'
The Sardius that has a dark ruby-red color symbolizes 'endeavor and passion,' and 'passionate love in accomplishing God's kingdom and righteousness.' After he met the Lord, Apostle Paul lived his entire life for God's kingdom. In the face of such countless persecutions and tribulations that an ordinary man would not be able to deal with, his passion never even cooled down. When he could accomplish the kingdom of God, he would risk passing through any difficulty or making any sacrifice; he didn't even spare his own life.
 The seventh foundation stone, 'Chrysolite'
Dark lime-green Chrysolite, which is also called 'Olivine' or 'Peridot', represents 'mercy.' It is to understand and forgive with goodness in the truth someone who cannot be understood or forgiven at all as a man. We don't dislike or hate anyone; we don't even have any enmity. It is because we think everything in goodness. We understand everything, accept anyone, and embrace all with mercy. No matter how dreadful a sinner is, we hate the sin, but do not hate the person.
 The eighth foundation stone, 'Beryl'
This Beryl, that has a light blue-green color, symbolizes the 'long-enduring heart in all things to accomplish God's kingdom and His righteousness'. It is not to suppress something or practice restraint. It is the heart without evil that is so full of goodness that there is no need to endure. You endure until the end and until the promise of God bears fruit, no matter how long it takes even when you face a great hardship. The fruit of this long endurance gives out very profound and delicate light.
 The ninth foundation stone, 'Topaz'
Topaz that has a reddish-orange color symbolizes 'spiritual goodness.' Spiritual goodness is the heart of seeking goodness within the Holy Spirit. It is to seek the goodness only in God's sight. But it is not to seek goodness only in heart; only when one shows the deeds of spiritual goodness outwardly, can he be recognized to possess it. He shows his mercy to one who needs his help and when it is needed. He does not cry out or quarrel with anybody. He doesn't ignore or break off from those evil-doers or peace-breakers.
 The tenth foundation stone, 'Chrysoprase'
The Chrysoprase that is semi-transparent and has a light apple-green jade-like color symbolizes 'self-control.' No matter how good something is, we must follow the order and control ourselves. There are times when we need to control ourselves when we rejoice or love. Even those who have come into spirit should make harmony in all things through self-control. Only when we discern everything in the truth with self-control and follow the desire of the Spirit can everything be made perfect. John the Baptist is the example of self-control who made ready the way of the Lord.
 The eleventh foundation stone, 'Jacinth'
This Jacinth is a transparent and bluish stone that symbolizes 'purity.' 'Purity' is 'to have no sin in heart'. That is, it's having a heart with no blame, spot, or blemish. Those with such a heart don't get their feeling to hurt. Those who are pure in heart can see God and communicate with Him. The clear clean sparkle in eyes of innocent children refreshes the heart of the beholder. It is the same with the heart of God who looks down on His children who are pure in heart. He wants to see them more and He wants to be with them more.
 The twelfth foundation stone, 'Amethyst'
The Amethyst that has a light violet color and is transparent symbolizes 'gentleness.' It is to have a mild and warm character along with a broad heart of embracing everyone. It is the heart as soft and cozy as cotton that people can find rest in, and it is the heart that understands all things in goodness and embraces others with love. When this gentleness is shown in words and deeds, it becomes 'virtuous generosity.' It can strengthen others and make them feel the warmth. It is where they can find rest. As a result, gentleness can win others' hearts and lead them to truth and life.
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