Chapter Nine/Holding Fast to Jesus' Name

Conclusion of 'Hidden Manna and A White Pebble'

What a fitting symbol! This manna was hidden in the Most Holy compartment of the tabernacle, where the miraculous light that hovered over the Ark's cover symbolized the very presence of Jehovah.  (Exodus 26:34) No one was permitted to penetrate that sacred  place in order to eat the hidden manna. However, Jesus said that his anointed followers  who conquer would eat "the hidden manna."  Like Christ  before them, they get to enter , "not into a holy place made with hands, which is a copy of the reality, but into heaven itself."  (Hebrews 9:12, 24) At their resurrection, they put on incorruption and immorality-a marvelous provision of Jehovah, symbolized by their being given the imperishable  "hidden manna."  How privileged that small group of overcomers is! -1 Corinthians 15:53-57. 

These also receive "a white pebble."  In Roman courts, pebbles were used in passing judgment.  A white pebble meant acquittal, whereas a black pebble meant condemnation, often to death. Jesus' giving  "a white pebble" to the Christians in Pergamum would indicate that he adjudges them innocent, pure, and clean.  But Jesus' words may have a further meaning. In Roman times, pebbles were also use  like tickets to gain entry to important events. So the white pebble may indicate something very special for the conquering anointed Christian-his being admitted to an honored place in heaven at the marriage of the Lamb. Only 144,000 such pebbles are provided.-Revelation 14:1; 19:7-9.  

Does that mean that you are left unconsidered if you are one of the great crowd of companion worshipers?  Not at all! While not receiving  the white pebble of admittance into heaven, you may, if you endure, come out of the great tribulation to have a part  in the joyful work of restoring Paradise on earth.  Sharing with you in this will be resurrected faithful  ones from pre-Christian times and those of the other sheep who may have died more recently. Eventually, all l the other redeemed dead will be favored with a resurrection to life on a paradise earth. -Psalm 45:16; John 10:16; Revelation 7:9, 14. 

What is the new name written on the pebble? A name is a means of identifying a person and distinguishing that one from others.  These anointed Christians receive the pebble after they have finished their early course as conquerors. Clearly, then, the name on the pebble  has to do with their privilege of being united with Jesus in heaven-a most intimate position of royal service to be fully appreciated and enjoyed only by those who inherit the heavenly Kingdom.  Hence, it is a name, or a designation of office, "which no one knows except the receiving it." -Compare Revelation 3;12. 

What an inducement for the John class to "hear what the spirit says to the congregations" and apply it!  And how  this encourages their associates, the great crowd, to serve faithfully with them while they can enjoy their companionship here on earth and share with them in making known Jehovah's Kingdom!

Next time: Chapter Ten/Abhorring the "Deep Things of Satan" 

From the book of Revelation