February 12, 2022

Happy Sabbath, beloved!

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.  Titus 2:11-14

The church in Pergamos was welcoming compromise. In seeking to understand the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:15) we must remember that Jesus did not say that He hates Nicolaitans, for He loves all people and desires to redeem each of us from every lawless deed! But Jesus clearly hates their deeds (Revelation 2:6). Early Christian historians wrote that the Nicolaitans were a group who followed Nicolas of Antioch (Acts 6:5). He was a good and sincere deacon who gradually departed from the faith while retaining the loyalty of his followers. Scripture ties this group to those who hold the doctrine of Balaam (Revelation 2:14) which provides insight: While God will never forsake His people, they can be influenced to forsake Him. The Creator, who gave each of us a will, believes in freedom of conscience. His delight is to see people choose to worship and serve Him because they love Him. See John 14:15.

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

While Balaam and Nicolas were real people whose parents named them as babies, it is not a coincidence that the Hebrew name “Balaam” and the Greek name “Nicolas” have the same meaning: conqueror of people. But just as the Lion of the tribe of Judah is the very opposite of that roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, the rider on the white horse of Revelation 6:2 went out conquering and to conquer with the Good News of divine love and salvation from sin, the very opposite of inducing people to sin against God.

Many today who are preaching a Nicolaitan doctrine started out with a strong doctrinal position. But over time, and perhaps inadvertently, they have reshaped their beliefs to conform to the changing moral climate of society resulting in a different gospel. Paul said:

“For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus who we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted – you may well put up with it.”  2 Corinthians 11:2-4 (see also Galatians 1:6)