Jesus' Promise Of White Stone And New Name
Jesus' Promise of White Stone and New Name
Jesus' promise to give a white stone with a new name to the overcomer is found in Revelation 2:17. The verse states, "To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the manna that is hid, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it" [1].
The white stone has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. In ancient cultures, a white stone was often associated with acquittal or victory. For example, in athletic competitions, victors were given a white stone as a symbol of their achievement [3].
The new name written on the stone is also significant. In biblical tradition, a new name often signified a change in status or identity. For instance, Abram was given the name Abraham, and Jacob was renamed Israel, signifying their new roles and relationships with God (Genesis 17:5; 32:28) [6].
The early Church Fathers saw the white stone as a symbol of Christ or a token of admission to heavenly feasts. The new name was understood to represent the believer's new identity in Christ [4].
Reformed theologians, such as John Calvin, emphasize the spiritual significance of the white stone and new name. Calvin views the white stone as a symbol of the believer's justification and adoption by God [5].
The promise of a white stone and new name is closely tied to the concept of the believer's new identity in Christ. The new name is known only to the one who receives it, suggesting a deep, personal relationship between Christ and the believer [2].
The imagery of the white stone and new name is also connected to the idea of the heavenly Jerusalem. In Revelation 3:12, Jesus promises that the victorious Christian will be made a pillar in the temple of God and will have written on them the name of God and the name of the new Jerusalem [6].
The various interpretations of the white stone and new name highlight the richness and complexity of the biblical text. While the exact meaning of the white stone remains unclear, its significance as a symbol of the believer's new identity and relationship with Christ is a common thread throughout the traditions.
The historical development of the interpretation of Revelation 2:17 reflects the diverse perspectives within Christianity. The early Church Fathers, Reformed theologians, and modern scholars have all contributed to a deeper understanding of this passage.
The connection between the white stone and the believer's new identity in Christ is a significant aspect of this passage. As Charles Hodge notes, the change effected in the believer is not just external but also internal, reflecting a deeper transformation [7].
The promise of a white stone and new name remains a powerful symbol of the believer's hope and identity in Christ. As Augustine notes, God's actions are not based on human merit but on His own name's sake, highlighting the gracious nature of this promise [8].
Sources
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 2:17 (Geneva1599) — Let him that hath an eare, heare what the Spirite saith vnto the Churches. To him that ouercommeth, will I giue to eate of the Manna that is hid, and will giue him a white stone, and in the stone a newe name written, which no man knoweth sauing he that receiueth it.”
- Revelation “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it. -- Revelation 2:17”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 2:17: 2:17 Those who remain faithful to Christ will receive manna, nourishment from heaven (see Exod 16:11-36). • hidden away in heaven: During the Exodus, a jar of manna was placed in the Ark of the Covenant (Exod 16:33-36). Jewish tradition said that at the coming of the Messiah, the Ark would reappear and manna would be eaten at the messianic banquet. Jesus is the bread from heaven and the bread of life (John 6:32-35; cp. Exod 16:4-21). • A white stone was often given to victors in athletic competitions, and it was common for special banquets or festivities to us”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. X.--BEWARE OF JUDAIZING.: Let us not, therefore, be insensible to His kindness. For were He to reward us according to our works, we should cease to be. Therefore, having become His disciples, let us learn to live according to the principles of Christianity.[7] For whosoever is called by any other name besides this, is not of God. Lay aside, therefore, the evil, the old, the sour leaven, and be ye changed into the new leaven, which is Jesus Christ. Be ye salted in Him, lest any one among you should be corr”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 75: are confirmed and fulfilled in him. 18. And we must carefully attend to the circumstance of time. Christ enjoins his disciples to have recourse to his intercession after he shall have ascended to heaven: “At that day ye shall ask in my name,” ( John 16:26 ). It is certain, indeed, that from the very first all who ever prayed were heard only for the sake of the Mediator. For this reason God had commanded in the Law, that the priest alone should enter the sanctuary, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on his shoulders, a”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 3:12: 3:12 Victorious Christians are secure in God’s household since, like pillars, . . . they will never have to leave it. • The name of . . . God that is inscribed on them portrays God’s ownership and the security Christians thus enjoy (see 7:4; 14:1). • The new Jerusalem is not a realm constructed by humans, but is God’s gift from heaven (21:2-10). • A new name was a sign of God’s blessing (see also 2:17); Abram, Jacob, Simon, and others were given new names (Gen 17:5; 32:28; John 1:42).”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 3, section 93: the bondage of corruption. The change to be effected is in the dwelling-place of man. ( d .) According to the Apostle Peter, it is the world which once was destroyed by water, that is to be consumed by fire. But although the predictions of Scripture concern only our earth, it does not follow that the material universe is to last forever. As it is not from eternity, it probably will not last forever. It may be only one of the grand exhibitions of the wonderful working of God in the field of infinite space, and in the course of unending age”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 5: Augustine — Anti-Pelagian — CHAP. 30.--THE GRACE BY WHICH THE STONY HEART IS REMOVED IS NOT PRECEDED BY GOOD DESERTS, BUT BY EVIL ONES. (part 1): In another passage, also, by the same prophet, God, in the clearest language, shows us that it is not owing to any good merits on the part of men, but for His own name's sake, that He does these things. This is His language: "This I do, O house of Israel,[1] but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profa”