“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it“
He who has an ear
Jesus challenges those with a positive system of perception to divine truth. Those willing to hear what He says will receive a special blessing. Those indifferent to this message will not listen.
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Jesus says, “Use your system of perception toward divine things.” A system of perception is no good unless we use it. We may be positive to the Word of God, but that will do no good unless we expose ourselves to what the Holy Spirit says to the churches through the Word of God.
To him who overcomes
A person who “overcomes” is a victor (Re 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21; 21:7; 1 John 5:4). The overcoming here is the overcoming of the value system of the world. This person consistently walks in the Spirit. It is possible to defeat the influences around us.
I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.
Jesus promises two things to those who “overcome.” He promises them “hidden manna” and “white stone” with their name written on it. “Hidden manna” has to do with time, and the “white stone” has to do with eternity.
Manna is the supernaturally provided food given to Israel during her wilderness wandering (Exodus 16; Numbers 11). Jesus promises “hidden manna” to those who live victorious lives. He hides this manna from the eyes of those who are negative toward Him. Jesus gives spiritual nourishment to those that live a life of victory.
And I will give him a white stone and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it
The importance of this stone is that Jesus writes our names on it. This indicates God’s acceptance of us and thus assurance of eternity and the blessings that come with eternity. A secret name is a name of intimacy. We receive full fellowship with the Lord when we overcome sin.
Principle:
God blesses spiritual victors with special fellowship.
Application:
Those who stand against sexual immorality will get the blessing of Jesus, the Lord. Those who resist sin, God blesses with special intimacy.
Hallelujah! Christ Jesus does not call by my earthly names. He has a special spiritual name since i got saved and that name is written in His book of Life.
God bless you Grant.
Very well said! Praise God for Jesus! This makes me feel so very hopeful and excited. What a joy to know that God gives us a new name when we surrender our lives to Him. I look forward to spending eternity with Him.
I'm looking into the LDS church and they understand this scripture much better! You've got about 50% here but keep working on it.
Blake, the problem with Mormonism is its awful use of Scripture: its exegesis, exposition, hermeneutics, use of context in interpretation, among many other issues. The theology is heretical and the book of Mormon quotes from the King James Version. That among many other issues are the serious issues that cults have. Here is an article on Mormonism on my website that will give you information about how distorted Mormonism is: http://versebyversecommentary.com/articles/mormonism/mormon-theism-by-journal-of-evangelical-theology/
As you beautifully pointed out, 1 John 5:4 tells us that everyone born of God is an overcomer, because of the victory of Christ. It is our faith in that finished work, that victory, that becomes our victory and overcomes the world. *happy dance*
Yes, as you stated, Jesus gives spiritual nourishment to those who are His…because we are His. 🙂 Not because of what we do, but because of what He accomplished. And simply because He is Who He says He is.
I am sometimes concerned that young believers will feel defeated at the idea that if they do not lead sinless lives, the promises of God are not theirs. Yes, our sin separates us from God, but positionally we are the righteousness of God if Jesus lives in us. We do not experience that complete righteousness while we live in flesh bodies, and our sanctification is not complete. But the Father sees us as righteous and His promises are yes! for every believer.
My two cents, FWIW. I do not mean to say you are teaching against this. I bring it up only as a point of clarification. And I am praying for Blake!
Thanks so much for giving the time and energy to feed His sheep.
Elle, thank you for praying for Blake.
I have one question: The white stone… I don´t understand it.
– Why a white stone?
– And why a secret name?
– And why is it given to the christians not at the baptisme/the time when they rescieve Christ as theire savior, but first after they have overcome and won?
Thank you for your help!
Kim from Denmark
Kim, Revelation was written in apocalyptic language because of persecution from the Roman government and thus speaking in symbolic language. "White" indicates purity. "Know one knows" may indicate intimacy except the One who fellowships with him/her.
Last sentence in the section … ‘I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.’
“Jesus gives spiritual nourishment to those that live of victory.”
I truly appreciate your teaching and I’m hesitant to correct, but I’ve read and reread this statement trying to understand it. Should it read: “… that live victoriously.” or “that live a life of victory.”???
Just wondering. 🙁 Thank you SO MUCH for your teaching! (70 year old retired pastor still learning!)
Judson, thank you for helping me clarify that statement. I have changed it to “…that live a life of victory” as you suggest.
Don’t put words in the Lords mouth. If you receive the stone, you know exactly what you have received. You know your name and it’s a comfort for you in times of trouble. You know the name that the Lord calls you by, from your creation in the Lord. I could tell you the name I was given and how I came to know that I received the Whitestone. But because the name is only met for me to know and understand when I tell you the name I received you will not be able to hear it. The Lord put these words in my mouth. Praise God the Almighty
If God wants to do certain things in certain way. may it be so. I dont question it. I accept it and pray for it to happen according to His will. I will only adhere to His admonitions and obey. please pray for me to be a hearer and a doer of God’s works. I’m His humble servant.