In Revelation 2:17 Jesus says:
"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."
What is this white stone? The short answer is, we don't really know. The apostle, John (author of the book of Revelation) was writing in a genre known as apocalyptic, prophesying about the end of time in highly symbolic language. Bible scholars have posited a number of educated guesses about what the white stone might mean. Here are a few:
- In those times, a person who was taken to court and acquitted was given a white stone he could show to others to prove his innocence. Here, the white stone might mean that as Christians, we are no longer condemned, as Jesus paid the price for our sins.
- In certain athletic games, the victors were given a white stone which allowed them admittance into a special banquet. So, the white stone might signify our entry into God's Kingdom, and the marriage feast of the lamb.
- A white stone was given to the High Priest and worn on his ceremonial robes. It was called the seer stone, and it enabled the wearer to discern revelations from God. Possibly the white stone indicates that the believers who have overcome, are now in the presence of God and now completely understand His Will.
However we choose to interpret this symbol, it is obvious that the white stone is a reminder that in time all believers will be reconciled with God. It is a token of His love and a promise that our relationship with Him will be completely restored. In acknowledgement of that fact, we will each receive a new name, one chosen by the Father before we were born -- our true name, reflecting the person God created us be.
For more about the book of Revelation see these posts:
A Glimpse of Heaven
Revelation
What Happens in the End Times?
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