"Rewards Follow Repentance"

Rewards Follow Repentance

Revelation 2:17

“To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”

Jesus called the Pergamum church, some of whom were slipping into idolatry and immorality, to repent. Otherwise, judgment
would come. 

But to all who would repent, to those who were eager to commit to Jesus, there would be victory. He would give them “some of
the hidden manna,” he said. This refers back to the Old Testament, in (Exodus 16) where people were receiving a daily supply of manna for their food.

God sustained them in the desert with this “bread from heaven” as a sign of his love. Jesus built on that connection by announcing that he is the true bread from heaven who gives life to the world. All who come to Jesus in faith will receive bread
that feeds the soul.

Jesus, the bread of life, opens the door to eternal life (John 6:32- 51).

Jesus also said that each repentant believer would receive “a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one
who receives it.”

To me I believe that to be related to having a new relationship with God in Christ and a new character that is treasured deep
within one’s heart. A new identity in Christ.

Though some details of God our Father are mysterious, the message is clear: Jesus calls us to live faithfully for him, and he promises eternal life to all who fully believe and trust in him. And allow him to reign over our hearts as we trust in him for eternal life. Amen.