Your Identity
Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His.” – 2 Timothy 2:19a NKJV.
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession…. – Ephesians 1:13-14 NKJV.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. – Ephesians 4:30 NKJV.
And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. – Revelation 20:15 NKJV.
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.
Paola Londono took a cruise with her nine-month-old son to the Caribbean enjoying her trip until she returned to the U.S. at Fort Lauderdale. Paola was arrested after going through customs for failing to appear in court on charges for prostitution and drug possession. However, law enforcement officers had the wrong woman! Can you imagine being arrested while holding your baby and sent to jail? Because it was a holiday weekend it took some time before Paola’s attorney was able to convince a judge to order her release. Back in March, another woman with the same name was arrested and released with a court date set for her appearance in court. When she failed to appear as ordered a warrant for her arrest was issued. Sadly, the innocent Paola must still appear in court providing proof as to her identity. (Sun Sentinel 09.07.10)
Stolen identities and mistaken identities have reached an epidemic level in the United States. Kimberly Shields was arrested, strip searched, and held in jail for 24-hours because someone stole her identity (Palm Beach Post 09.07.10). In addition, the stolen and mistaken identity problem can cause all kinds of problems financially, and even for their relationships.
Spiritually, we do not have to worry about being mistaken for someone else by God, or someone stealing our spiritual identity. Because at the moment that we believe upon Jesus as our Savior, we are birthed into the Kingdom of God by the Holy Spirit (John 3). Our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16) and the Holy Spirit seals us (Ephesians 4:30) “for the day of redemption.” In addition, our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (The book is mentioned in Revelation 13:8; 21:27).
Boyce Evans was a powerful evangelist whom I heard preach a couple of times and still have a little book of a few of his sermons. One of those sermons I heard him preach and that is also in his sermon book is “God’s White Stone.” Evans tells of how it is only the High Priest with the white stone in his breastplate that was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. We who know Jesus are now able to go boldly to the “throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16)” through prayer. Evans recites instances in Roman life when a white stone would be given to people. A white stone would be given when a man was accused of a crime but found innocent. A white stone would be given to a slave who was set free. Winners of Olympic games would be given a white stone, which entitled the one possessing it to certain benefits. A white stone would be given as an invitation to a feast. A white stone would sometimes be given as badge of friendship, and a white stone would be given to a son by a father as a symbol of authority.
If you know Jesus as your Savior you have overcome and have been given a white stone; and on that stone, is a new name written that only God knows. Your spiritual identity is eternally secure because Jesus says of all who know Him as their Savior, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand (John 10:28).”
(Is your name written on a white stone?)