The White Stone
“And
to the angel of the church in Pergmamum write: These
are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword:
“I
know where you are living, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are not holding
fast to my name, and you did not deny your faith in me even in the days of
Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan
lives. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold to the
teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a
stumbling block before the people of
In
ancient times if someone was put on trial and convicted, they received a black
stone. On the other hand, if they were put on trial and acquitted, they
received a white stone. Another way of looking at the white stone came from the
olympic
games. When athletes won, they were awarded a white stone, as a token of
honor.
We
know our sins are forgiven. Jesus has told us so. The Scriptures have told us
so. We are saved by grace, through our faith alone. We will struggle as
obedient Christians as we seek to serve the One who has saved us. One
explanation of the white stone is a picture of unearned acquittal. The other
shows that we will be rewarded for acts of good works.
Trusting
Christ for salvation gives us a new identity. It is like receiving a new name
written on a white stone, which shows that we are forgiven – completely.
Jesus removes our sin
and
rewards our service.
Our Daily Bread –