Revelation 2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know where you are living, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are 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… To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it. 

Sometimes there are things in scripture I do not understand. Like today. What’s with the “white stone” at the end of the passage? I had to look that up.

Apparently in ancient times one way an accused was notified of a verdict was via the giving of a stone. A black stone indicated guilt, but a white stone indicated innocence. What the passage for today is telling us is that persons who endure persecution or hardship in Jesus’ name will be given a white stone. They will be found innocent on the day of judgment.

That’s one of the key promises of the gospel. We, who are sinful people, will be found innocent on the day of judgment – not because of our own righteousness but because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross. If you’re like me and are very aware of your sin and brokenness, let this be a word of encouragement today.