Promise of Jesus 162: White Stone

162. White Stone

Revelation 2:17c [To him that overcometh will I give him…] a white stone.

 A second part of the third promise to the overcomer is a white stone. There are 6 or more possibilities for the symbolic meaning of a white stone. Two possibilities are most likely: purity or acquittal. Purity is often symbolized by the color white. The promise is that purity is given or declared for the overcomer (believer). Purity is the same as innocence, holiness and righteousness. Purity is the result of the preaching of the Gospel; forgiveness of sins makes one pure. Thus we are in possession of a “white stone.”

The second possibility of acquittal is similar to the symbolism of purity. Not only is the overcomer declared pure he is also declared free of guilt; innocence is the key word that combines both concepts. In the Greco-Roman judicial system in some cases the verdict was pronounced with a white or black stone, obviously guilt or acquittal. The white stone therefore means we are acquitted, declared free of sin and guilt, and are legally considered innocent and free to go.

In a legal court of law the judgment or verdict of the judge or jury is final and the sentence must be followed. It can be appealed, but it cannot be denied. The court’s verdict is true whether the person is actually guilty or innocent or not; the court may have made a wrong decision but the verdict still stands. God declares us righteous for Jesus’ sake and that verdict stands forever sure: we are free. And there no question as to its validity, ever and forever.

Some people carry a white stone with them at all times to remind them of what God thinks of them and how He judges us. That white stone reminder is in reality the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is carried with us at all times.