Good morning, and a blessed Thursday to you.
Would you please open your Bibles to Revelation, chapter two for our time in God’s Word:. Sometimes the name of an actor is not the name they were given at birth. In other words, they change their name.

Here’s a name for you: Archibald Leech. That was his given name at birth, but we know him as Cary Grant.

Or how about this one: Eric Bishop. Did you know that’s the birth name of Jamie Foxx?

And this one: Karen Johnson. We know her as Whoopi Goldberg.

It’s those new names that we know them by.

Now, look with me please at Revelation 2:17:

Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. 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.

So, when by God’s grace we come to heaven, will we all have new names?

We know that we will recognize one another in heaven. We probably won’t be wearing name badges, but if we did, would they have new names on them?

Let’s break this down. Verse 17: “To everyone who conquers…” Who are the conquerors? Scripture interprets Scripture—1 John 5 tells us that conquering is believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. So those who conquer are those who believe in Him.

“…I will give some of the hidden manna.” Remember in the Old Testament when God fed His people heavenly bread that gave them strength and life? Here the meaning is eternal life. So we could read the verse this way: To everyone who believes in Jesus, I will give eternal life.

Then: “…I will give a white stone.” What does that mean? In ancient days, juries used pebbles to vote. A white pebble meant “not guilty.” In Christ, that is our verdict—because Jesus bore our sin on the cross and paid the debt we could never pay. Through Him, we are declared not guilty.

And: “…on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.”

Throughout Scripture, when God gave someone a new name, it marked a new existence: Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, Jacob became Israel, Simon became Peter. A name change signified a new reality.

So here in Revelation 2:17, we’re being told that in heaven we will be given a new name—signifying our new existence, our eternal reality in Christ. The fact that no one knows it except the one who receives it reminds us that we cannot fully grasp the beauty and glory of heaven until we are there.

That promise is for you, baptized child of God—claimed in the waters of baptism, washed in His promises.

Let’s pray.

Gracious Heavenly Father, we thank You for this time in Your Word. Your Word is truth. Thank You, O Lord, for the days You give us on this side of heaven. Empower us to serve You each and every day, and may our lives bring You glory.

When that day comes and You call us home, give us joy in receiving our new name, our new existence, and the eternal reality You have prepared for us. We praise You, Lord, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God bless you today—encourage someone.'

Pastor Eibel