Eusebius, an early church historian, tells the story of how the apostle John rescued a man who almost compromised himself over the cliff. The young man had been a bright earnest Christian when John first met him near Ephesus. The apostle recommended him for leadership and the young man received pastoral training. But then he fell in with a group of young troublemakers. One by one he compromised his principles. Finally he plunged into a life of crime as the head if a violent gang of thieves. When John heard about this young rebel he summoned a horse and guide. Riding in the country he was soon taken prisoner by these thieves. John asked to be taken to their captain. As soon as the young man recognized the apostle he turned to flee overcome with shame. But forgetting his age John set out after him. John called out, “Fear not. You still have hope of life. I will intercede with Christ for you. I will give my life for yours. Stay, believe Christ has sent me.” Finally the young man stopped. Looking miserable he slowly turned back to the apostle. Then he threw down his sword and fell into John’s arms, weeping bitterly. The apostle assured his young friend that pardon was still possible. This captain of thieves fell to his knees. John spent some time with him teaching him from the Word of God, building up his faith. Finally he was restored to the church and went on to lead an exemplary Christian life. This story illustrates the early church’s sense of God’s grace. Even for believers who have compromised. It illustrates God’s power to cut the cords of compromise and restore us again to a vibrant faith. There’s a wonderful promise in the message to the church at Pergamos. It’s a promise for the one who overcomes, the one who turns back from compromise. Jesus says in Revelation 2:17, “I will give him a white stone, and on that sstone a new name written.” In ancient times jurors used white and black stones to signify innocence or guilt. A white stone signified innocence. For Jesus to give us a white stone is to declare that all our past, no matter how dark and painful, is wiped out. We are forgiven. A white stone was also sometimes given to guests when they departed a friend’s home. The host cracked the stone open, keeping one half and handing the other half to the guest. “if any of your loved ones ever pass this way,” the host said, “have them bring this stone. I will fetch mine, we’ll match the two halves, and they will be welcomed joyfully into my home.” The white stone is God’s way of saying “You’re not only declared innocent, you’re welcomed into my Home. You have a place at My table.” That’s the promise our heavenly Father holds out to us. We may yield to pressure, slide into compromise, or nearly falloff a spiritual cliff, but there is rescue in the Word of God. There is truth in the Word of God that will set us free.