Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "White Stone" is primarily derived from Revelation 2:17, where it is mentioned in the context of Christ's message to the church in Pergamum. The verse reads: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it" .Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient world, stones held significant symbolic and practical value. White stones, in particular, were often used in judicial settings. A white stone could signify acquittal or approval, while a black stone might indicate condemnation. This judicial symbolism aligns with the Christian understanding of justification and the believer's acquittal from sin through Christ's atoning work. Additionally, white stones were sometimes used as tokens of admission to special events or feasts. This cultural practice may illuminate the promise of the white stone as a symbol of the believer's acceptance and entry into the eternal banquet of the Lamb. Theological Significance Theologically, the white stone represents several key aspects of the Christian faith: 1. Victory and Overcoming: The promise of the white stone is given to "the one who is victorious." This victory is not achieved through human effort but through faith in Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world (John 16:33). The white stone serves as a divine affirmation of the believer's triumph over sin and the world through Christ. 2. New Identity: The inscription of a "new name" on the white stone signifies a transformed identity in Christ. Throughout Scripture, a new name often accompanies a new mission or calling (e.g., Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel). This new name, known only to the recipient, underscores the personal and intimate relationship between the believer and God. 3. Assurance of Salvation: The white stone can be seen as a token of assurance, symbolizing the believer's secure position in Christ. Just as a white stone in ancient times could signify acquittal, so too does it represent the believer's justification and the assurance of eternal life. 4. Hidden Manna: The promise of the white stone is coupled with the gift of "hidden manna," which points to spiritual sustenance and the provision of Christ Himself, the Bread of Life (John 6:35). This dual promise highlights the sufficiency of Christ for both spiritual nourishment and eternal reward. Interpretative Considerations While the exact nature of the white stone and the new name remains a mystery, its symbolic meanings are rich and multifaceted. The white stone serves as a powerful reminder of the believer's victory, new identity, and assured place in the kingdom of God. It is a testament to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who bears witness to the believer's status as a child of God (Romans 8:16). In summary, the white stone in Revelation 2:17 encapsulates the hope and promise of the Christian faith, offering a glimpse into the eternal rewards awaiting those who remain faithful to Christ. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 2:17He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes 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 knows saving he that receives it. Nave's Topical Index Library The Church Triumphant They Shall be Called the Children of God Blessed are the Poor in Spirit "Thy King Cometh" And after That, Jesus Knew that all Things were Finished... On the Mount of Olives The Return of the Exiles The Doctrine of the Last Things. The Controversy Ended. Later English Reformers. Resources What does it mean that Jesus and believers are living stones in 1 Peter 2:4-5? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did David choose five smooth stones before going to fight Goliath? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that “the rocks will cry out” in Luke 19:40? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Stones of Christ, "A Tested Stone" "A Precious Stone" "A Sure Foundation, " Stones of Christ, the Water of Life Stones of Christ's Rejection, the Rejected Conerstone Stones of Temptation, "Stone of Stumbling" Stones of the Impenitent Heart Stones of the Witness of the Spirit, the White Stone Stones used for Closing Graves Stones used for Weighing (Margin) Stones used in Building Altars Stones: Commandments Engraved Upon Stones: Great, As Landmarks (Some Hebrew Mss Have "Abel") Stones: Great, in Solomon's Temple Stones: Hewers (Stone-Cutters) of Stones: Magnificent, in Herod the Great's Temple Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Precious in the Crowns of Kings Stones: Precious: Exported from Sheba Stones: Precious: Partial Catalogue of Stones: Precious: Seen in the Foundation of the New Jerusalem in John's Apocalyptic Vision Stones: Precious: Voluntary offerings of, by the Israelites for the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Prepared in the Quarries Stones: Symbolical of the Kingdom of Christ Stones: The Law of Moses Written Upon Stones: Thrown Upon Accursed Ground Related Terms |
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