In Revelation 21: 19-20 we read about the precious stones that decorated the foundation of the walls of the heavenly city. The fifth stone is sardonyx. This stone consisted of layers of light colored chalcedony alternating with layers of another stone, sard. At least three layers are needed to make a true sardonyx, black, white and red.
The ancients believed that the black symbolized humility. They thought that the white represented chastity, and they considered the red to represent modesty or martyrdom.
God expects his servants, Christians, to have humility. Christians are to have lowliness of mind. They are not to think too highly of themselves. Christ is the perfect example of humility. He was willing to leave heaven and come to earth to die for all men.
The followers of God are also to be chaste or pure. They are to avoid all things evil. Again, Christ is the perfect example of a pure individual. He never sinned. Christians are to follow His example.
Members of the Lord’s church are to be modest in clothing and behavior. They are to cover their bodies to prevent others from being tempted. They are to keep themselves from acting in a sinful manner.
Members of the heavenly Jerusalem are to be ready to die for the cause of Christ. A martyr is one who dies because he is a Christian. Christians are to live as servants of God no matter if it means they will be put to death.
I do not know if God used the sardonyx to give us these messages, but I do know that God wants us to be humble, modest and chaste. Further, I know he wants us to be willing to die to follow Him.
Keep studying your Bible. Learn what you need to do to obey God.
