What is the white stone with the 'new name' on it that believers will someday receive?
Is it possible to learn what this new name is prior to the Resurrection?
Revelation 2:17
KJV - 17 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.
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Vivian McLemore
Supporter
In my humble opinion and research and resources on Revelations 21:17 to define the meaning of the white stone is also a mystery to most Bible scholars. One of the best resource explanations to me was the white stone may be a translucent precious stone such as a diamond. The word translated “white” in Revelation 2:17 is leukos and can also mean “brilliant, bright.” This interpretation holds that on the stone is written the name of Christ, not the name of the believer. Revelation mentions that the name of Christ is written on the foreheads of the saints (Revelation 3:12; Revelation 14:1, and Revelation 14:20). The best theory regarding the meaning of the white stone probably has to do with the ancient Roman custom of awarding white stones to the victors of athletic games. The winner of a contest was awarded a white stone with his name inscribed on it. This served as his “ticket” to a special awards banquet. According to this view, Jesus promises those who overcame an entrance to the eternal victory celebration in heaven. The “new name” most likely refers to the Holy Spirit’s work of conforming believers to the holiness of Christ (see Romans 8:29; Colossians 3:10).
Shirley H.
Supporter
The color white in the Bible symbolizes purity, worthy, deserving,or righteous. Generally speaking, that is. In the ancient time a white stone would be used for approval, acceptance or admittance to a public event. Exodus chapter 15, God tells the people to listen carefully and do what He regards as right. In Exodus 16 is the story of the bread that fell from heaven. The people of the exodus fed daily on the manna. It sounds like it was a wafer or crystal kind of substance. Maybe like little white stones. Anyway, they needed it for survival. They depended on God and needed to trust Him. So do we! The hidden manna is given to him who overcomes. Revelation 2:17. I think this manna was part of the manna saved in Exodus 16:32, and placed in the ark for the future. This manna did not spoil. The manna in the wilderness had a very short expiration date. This manna is a miracle. Psalm 105 speaks of God's eternal faithfulness. He never breaks a promise. John 6:22 Jesus tells us He is The Bread of Heaven! Manna? We need Him daily. The Stone in scripture is Christ. Daniel 2:34, the Stone cut without hands. Psalms 118:22 The Cornerstone. Matthew 21:42-44, Jesus declares this. 1Peter 2, if indeed we find the Lord gracious, we become living stones and become acceptable to God. I think that the white stone is a reward, a ticket, so to speak. The new name - throughout the Bible many times names were changed. Saul became Paul. Simon became Peter. Abram, and Sarai - these two most interesting of all. The Hebrew letters that spell their names, when changed to Abraham and Sarah, that are added mean GRACE! Each of the 22 letters that make up the Hebrew alphabet have a sound, a picture, a meaning and a musical note associated with them. The letters change their names and add Grace. The lives of Abraham and Sarah from then on were filled with Grace! Therefore I think that the new name means that we will be accepted, by the Grace of God. We have been approved by the purity of the Stone. Revelation 3:12, "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. 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 out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My New name." Remember believers are the temple of God. We are the church. It is not a building! At least that is my opinion... oh, and by the way, the pillars, would be made probably of... stone! And a pillar in the temple implies a permanent place. AMEN!
Meshack Gachago
Supporter
I agree with the other submissions. White stone will basically mean the nature and essence of the God-head now implanted ad reflected in the sons of God. The new name is "firstborne SON," who God created through the pattern SON, our Lord Jesus Christ. The glory: the image and likeness that they carry is heavenly and is their approval to participate in all that is of the Father.
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