The White Stone

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” Revelation 2:17 

Jesus wrote this message to the Church of Pergamos, that was under great persecution. They were being killed and crucified if they named Jesus as their Lord. Many people think that when you get saved, you are never going to have any problems. God never promised that you won’t have a bumpy ride, but He does promise a safe and happy landing. 

He said, “To him who overcometh, I will give a white stone.” So, what was the significance of that statement? In the city of Peramos, the white stone was a huge symbol used by the judges that day and time. The accused would stand before the judge, and someone would plead a case against them. The judge would have in his hands a black stone and a white stone. The black stone was known as “the stone of condemnation” and would mean that the individual was found guilty. If a person was handed the black stone, the people of the city would pick up stones and stone them on the spot.

But if someone was handed a white stone, known as “the stone of justification,” that meant that all of their charges were dropped, their chains were removed, and they were set free. They would be found guiltless with nothing on their record. 

This white stone represents what Jesus did. He was our advocate who cleared our name and erased the records that were held against us. Colossians 2:14 says, “He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” 

The end of Revelation 2:17 says you will get a white stone “with a new name written on it.” God loves renaming His children. Peter went from “Reed” to “Rock.” Jacob went from “Deceiver” to “God Perseveres.” Paul went from “Small” to “Prayed For.” Your identity may have once been “Liar,” “Cheater,” or “Flesh Pleaser,” but God wants to rename you “Holy One,” “Ruler,” “Overcomer,” “Royalty,” and “Priest.” God doesn’t stop at pardoning us, but He gives us a new life entirely in this world and the next.

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