Revelation 2:17 – Uncovering Our True Identity

“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.”— Revelation 2:17 NKJV

Revelation 2:17 is perhaps one of the greatest scripture verses we have, because it gives us this mysterious, enchanting doorway that leads to discovering our true identity. (If you give the Bible a chance, I promise that every answer you ever wanted to know is in there.)

This verse explains that our true identity can only be found through a personal relationship with Christ because when we meet with Him, he literally gives us “hidden” things. Without receiving this supernatural wisdom from Him, our identity remains unknown… or is of this world… or is a collage of everyone who’s ever influenced us. Even our earthly names were given to us by human parents and have little to do with who we are.

We must be absolutely cautious not to embody different “identities” produced by this world. I will never believe in…

“I’m a Scorpio.”
“I’m ADHD.”
“I’m an addict.”
“I’m broken.”
“I’m hopeless.”
“I’m mentally ill.”
“I’m my genetics.”
“I’m no one.”

When we say we are these things, we’ve pigeonholed ourselves into a box that contains the details of the identity, and begin to believe that’s who we are or all we are. Gross. And no, thanks. Don’t accept these lies, be bold! Go through the doorway like I did…

~ Hi! My parents named me Michelle. That’s what people call my avatar. One day, I went to Jesus and He gave me a white stone with my true identity and my real name written on it, breaking every lie this world told me about who I am. Did you get yours yet? I highly recommend it! ~

Let’s let google AI take this one. It did a decent job explaining the meaning of this verse:

—> Revelation 2:17 promises rewards to those who overcome spiritual compromise: “hidden manna” (spiritual sustenance/intimacy with Christ), a “white stone” (acquittal, approval, and victory), and a “new name” (a personal, transformed identity known only to God and the believer). This message encourages faithfulness in difficult circumstances.

Key Symbols and Meanings:

• Hidden Manna: Symbolizes spiritual nourishment, sustenance, and the eternal life provided by Jesus (the “bread of life”), contrasting with food offered to idols.

• White Stone: Represents acquittal (in court), a mark of approval, a victory token in ancient games, or a special entrance ticket to the heavenly banquet, confirming the believer’s innocence and justified status.

• New Name: Indicates a new, intimate relationship with God, a transformed identity, or a special, personal promise known only to the individual, similar to Abram becoming Abraham.

Trust me, there’s a lot more to personally uncover when we meet with Jesus and He discusses our true identity with us. This verse is just the first step! May God bless you on your journey to self-discovery. Amen!

With Love, Michelle