In the Bible, there are a few references to God giving His people a white stone with a new name written on it. This concept is intriguing yet somewhat mysterious. By examining the biblical context, we can gain insight into the meaning and significance of receiving a white stone with a new name from God.
Biblical References to the White Stone
The white stone is specifically mentioned in Revelation 2:17, where Jesus says to the church in Pergamum: “To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.” The white stone concept is not explained here, but it is set alongside the hidden manna as a reward for those who conquer/overcome in Christ.
A similar reference appears in Revelation 3:12, Jesus says to the church in Philadelphia: “The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” Here the ideas of a new name and the new Jerusalem are connected, though the white stone is not explicitly mentioned.
Outside of Revelation, there are no other clear biblical references to God giving believers a white stone with a new name. However, some draw a connection between the white stone and the priestly breastpiece worn by the High Priest in the Old Testament. The breastpiece contained twelve stones, each engraved with one of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:15-21). Stones and names are linked here, though not specifically white stones.
Possible Symbolic Meanings
The context and Old Testament parallels provide clues to the figurative meaning behind receiving a white stone with a new name. Here are some of the main symbolic interpretations:
- White stone as a token of victory and acceptance – In ancient Greece, white stones were reportedly used as tokens of victory, success, and acceptance, while black stones symbolized defeat and rejection. The white stone may signify the believer’s ultimate victory and acceptance by God.
- Stone as identification – Stones with names inscribed on them were sometimes used as identification markers in ancient cultures. God’s people being marked with His name and a new name could signify belonging and identification with God.
- New name as a signifier of new identity and position – Biblically, names often corresponded to a person’s character and calling. The new name could represent the new identity, status, position, and relationship with God that believers enjoy.
- Stone as a ticket to eternal rewards – Some view the white stone like a ticket to enter God’s heavenly courts and receive eternal rewards. It may grant the holder access to divine promises and blessings.
- Stone signifying acquittal and vindication – Similarly, white stones were used in ancient courts to signify a jury’s vote of acquittal. The heavenly verdict of righteousness in Christ may be depicted by the giving of a white stone.
These views all share the common idea that the white stone with a new name represents God’s acceptance, blessing, and acknowledgment of the faithfulness of His people. It denotes worthiness to share in Christ’s victory and heavenly rewards.
The Significance for Believers
While the full meaning of the white stone with a new name remains somewhat ambiguous, we can still highlight key applications for believers:
- Perseverance and obedience – The white stone is promised to those who conquer/overcome which implies persevering faithfully through trials and temptations.
- Identity and worth in Christ – Our core identity is found in who God says we are as His children. The new name reminds us of our new worth, position, and calling in Christ.
- Intimate relationship with God – The symbolism points to a deep intimacy with God, being so close as to receive a unique, secret name known only to us and God.
- Assurance of salvation – The stone provides confidence in our acceptance by Christ and the verdict of our acquittal through His blood.
- Motivation for eternity – The promises of eternal rewards spur us on to faithful obedience and perseverance through trials.
In summary, while full of symbolism, the white stone with the new name clearly represents God’s acknowledgment of His beloved children. It captures the beautiful truths of our new identity in Christ, God’s tender intimacy with us, and the motivation to persevere until we enter eternity and receive our full inheritance in Him.
Conclusion
The mysterious white stone with a new name is a profound image of the identity, position, and rewards that await followers of Jesus who faithfully walk with Him. Though the full significance is unclear, we can grasp enough to be encouraged in our relationship with Christ. He sees us as His beloved, accepted, victorious children and longs to bless us beyond what we can imagine. The white stone symbol reminds us of Jesus’ tender intimacy with us as well as the need to persevere through trials as we look ahead to eternity with Him.
