Last week I mentioned there are several informative opinions on who the Nicolaitans were and I suggested those who can should look it up themselves. Since there is more than one opinion, I’d have to publish all of them and it would take all my space and more, so I’m just going to say whoever they were and whatever they did, Jesus hated their deeds and their beliefs. It would behoove us to learn what they were doing wrong, but really not necessary. It would be best for us to learn what pleases God and focus on that type of behavior, rather than learn what was sinful and be tempted to compromise our good behavior that we struggle so hard to control.
All sin is hateful to Christ, not the men themselves. So it’s important we remember that. God loves us, not our sins. We should teach our children that we love them, too, not their wrong behavior. The only way to recognize false teaching is to be intimately familiar with truth through the diligent study of the Word of God. So, let’s go forward, into the letter to the church in Pergamos!
Revelations 2:12-29
“12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star.
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
Did you notice we will have a new name? Did you notice God searches our hearts? Did you notice Jesus sees our good deeds but does not forgive those who do not repent of fornication? This is serious, and we all take it lightly. What was rarely done is commonplace now. We don’t teach that it’s wrong any more!
More from Focus on Faith.