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A new name

“To the one who conquers [...] 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.” (Revelation 2:17)

In ancient times, white stones had various meanings. For example, they were used to signify friendship. Think of friendship necklaces and bracelets today. White stones could also be handed out as ‘admission tickets’ to a party. Perhaps both meanings play a role in the letter to the believers in Pergamum. Those who persevered in the faith may be a friend of Jesus and are welcome at His feast.

At the time this letter was written, it was not unusual to adopt a new name. The first Roman emperor, for example, called himself Augustus, ‘the exalted one’. That suited his new status as supreme ruler. The Bible also contains several examples of people who were given new names. Jesus called His disciple Simon, 'Peter,’ rock. And Abram became ‘Abraham,’ father of many nations. Those names were meaningful, and they fit the person.

On the white stone, God writes a new name. When you become a child of God, you get a new identity. Then He makes you a new person. You become part of “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). In accordance with your new “status”, Jesus gives you a new name. Unique and personal, just right for you.

If you could choose a new name, which one would you take? What makes that name special to you?