Remember The White Stone

Remember The White Stone

A Symbol of Identity, Victory, and Intimacy with Christ

Key Verse:

“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 (NIV)

1. Understanding the Context

This promise of the white stone is found in Revelation 2:17, part of a letter from Jesus to the church in Pergamum. Pergamum was a city steeped in idol worship, emperor cults, and social pressure to conform. The Christians there faced immense challenges: persecution, cultural compromise, and the temptation to blend in. Yet, Jesus speaks to those who overcome and remain faithful. To them, He offers two things:

Hidden manna – sustaining spiritual nourishment from God Himself.

A white stone with a new name – a deeply personal gift representing something much more.

Let us reflect more deeply on what the white stone might mean.

2. A White Stone as a Token of Acceptance and Acquittal

In the ancient Greek legal system, jurors would cast stones to deliver a verdict. A black stone meant guilt; a white stone meant acquittal.

By promising a white stone, Jesus is saying to the believer:

“You are not guilty. You are justified in My sight.”

This echoes Paul’s declaration in Romans:

“Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.”

— Romans 8:33

No accusation from the enemy, the world, or even your own conscience can override what God has declared over you. Through Christ, you are cleared of all charges.

3. A White Stone as a Symbol of Reward and Favor

White stones were also used as tokens of victory and invitations to feasts:

Victorious athletes in ancient games were given white stones as trophies of honor and recognition.

In some cultures, a white stone served as a ticket or invitation to exclusive banquets and celebrations.

Jesus may be implying that His faithful ones are not only forgiven but also invited to His eternal banquet, sharing in the joy and reward of His kingdom.

“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”

— Revelation 19:9

4. A New Name Known Only to the One Who Receives It

This is perhaps the most intimate part of the promise:

“…a new name written on the stone, known only to the one who receives it.”

This new name is not just a label. In the Bible, names carry meaning and often signify a transformation of identity:

Abram became Abraham – “father of many nations.”

Jacob became Israel – “he who wrestles with God.”

Simon became Peter – “rock.”

Receiving a new name from Christ symbolizes a new identity, forged by God’s hand, based not on who you were, but on who He has called you to be.

This name is private, personal, and eternal – reflecting your unique relationship with the Lord. It reminds us that God doesn’t just save crowds; He knows each heart individually.

“I have called you by name; you are mine.”

— Isaiah 43:1

5. A Call to Live in Victory

Notice that the white stone is not given to those who live in comfort, but to those who overcome—those who remain faithful despite hardship.

“To the one who is victorious…”

This echoes other promises in Revelation:

“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life.” (Rev. 2:7)

“To the one who is victorious, I will give authority over the nations.” (Rev. 2:26)

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white.” (Rev. 3:5)

Victory in the Christian life doesn’t mean perfection or a trouble-free path. It means clinging to Christ when it would be easier to let go. It means staying pure in a compromising culture, standing firm under trial, and walking by faith when the way is unclear.

6. Living with the White Stone in Mind

To “remember the white stone” is to:

Walk in your true identity – not in what the world says about you, but in what God has named you.

Live with the assurance of forgiveness and acceptance – knowing that no condemnation remains for you in Christ (Romans 8:1).

Press forward in the face of adversity – because your reward is eternal and your name is already engraved on His heart.

Cultivate intimacy with Jesus – who gives you a name that only you and He know, a personal treasure shared between Lover and beloved.

Final Encouragement

When you are weary or discouraged, remember the white stone.

When you feel misunderstood or forgotten, remember that God knows your true name.

When sin tries to shame you, remember your acquittal in Christ.

When the battle is long, remember the reward to come.

“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

— Psalm 34:5

You are known. You are called. You are victorious.

Remember the white stone.