1. Introduction

In the previous post, I wrote that Jesus promised to reveal hidden secrets in His word to those who overcome false teachings. He also continued with another promise:

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it (Revelation 2: 17).

2. The white stone means that Jesus had acquitted the repentant from their sin of idolatry

Psēphos is the Greek word used for stone in the text. It literally means “a small worn smooth stone, a pebble”. According to Strong’s Concordance of the Bible, black pebbles were used in the ancient courts of justice the to indicate that the accused were condemned. On the other hand, whitae pebbles were used to indicate that an individual had been acquitted. White also represents cleansing and purification (Daniel 12: 10; Isaiah 1: 18; Psalm 51: 7)

Therefore, in the context of Revelation 2, Jesus said He would give the white stone to those whom He had  acquitted or released from the sin of idolatry.  The acquitted were those who had repented of that sin:

14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and  will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

3. Overcomers will receive a new  name

As Lord Jesus ended His message to the church of Pergamos, He promised a new name to those who would repent and overcome the false doctrines of the era:

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it (Revelation 2: 17).

 

Here are further references to the new name in scripture:

a. A new name is given to the righteous:

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the  LORD shall name (Isaiah 62: 2)

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, [Revelation 3: 12)