Revelation 2:17
ESV - 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 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.
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In the Bible, there is only one reference to God giving us a white stone with a new name: "To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white s...
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First, understanding that the scriptures are not literal is the key to understanding And unlocking God's mind for his people. Prov 25:2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honour of kings to search it out. As we spend time with The Lord he reveals and expands his word to us. To address the question, when The Lord promises to give us the hidden manner, he is simply saying as we overcome in our walk with him, he will open up the scriptures more and more to us. Manna speaks of bread, which means the word of God. The Holy Spirit will take of the father and make it plain to us, so that we can walk in victory. The white stone - As we overcome, he will inscribe his Devine nature in us. His Divine nature is the new name. We are overshadowed by his presence and glory, so much so that his very nature radiates through us, then we can truly be called the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We will begin to walk in righteousness and in holiness before him.
In Christianity we are like living stones making up the temple of God for priestly activities, and Christ is the headstone (1 Pet 2:4-5). In any temple the stones do not all perform the same function, although all are necessary. It depends on where they are placed what their formal function is. The white stone with the secret name within it is given to those who are victorious, who have overcome, and thus have been granted the closest position to the headstone of Christ within the temple. The stone and the new name is evidence of a higher priestly function for the person receiving it. Analogously in some churches a new name is given at baptism and some memento for the occasion.
Two comments on "white" and "stone" are included: 1 "White" or “bright.” The Greek term λευκός (leukos) can refer either to the color white (traditional here) or to an object that is bright or shining, either from itself or from an outside source of illumination (L&N 14.50; 79.27). 2 On the interpretation of the stone, L&N 2.27 states, “A number of different suggestions have been made as to the reference of ψῆφος in this context. Some scholars believe that the white ψῆφος indicates a vote of acquittal in court. Others contend that it is simply a magical amulet; still others, a token of Roman hospitality; and finally, some have suggested that it may represent a ticket to the gladiatorial games, that is to say, to martyrdom. The context, however, suggests clearly that this is something to be prized and a type of reward for those who have ‘won the victory.’” Fruit of Thy gracious lips, on me Bestow that peace unknown, The hidden manna, and the tree Of life, and the white stone. -- Wesley My second paragraph then would agree with Michael's last paragraph.
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