BEWARE OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITIAN CHURCH
Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi
Rev 2:14-16 kjv” 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.So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”
The Nicolaitanes were followers of a deviant form of Christianity in Asia Minor, who were sharply condemned by the apostle John in his letters to the church at Ephesus (Rev 2:6) and Pergamos (Rev.2:15). They were commended for rejecting the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, who were also classified as ‘false apostles ‘ . The group had gained a foothold, however, in Pergamos where, like Balaam of old, it encouraged followers to practice idolatry and sexual immorality (Num 25:1-3; 31:16) contrary to God’s word ( 1Cor 6:18)
According to W.M Ramsay, the Nicolaitans started as well-meaning Christians prepared to make minor concessions in order to participate in the civic and economic life of Hellenistic society. They incorporated pagan standards as part of their Christian worship { 2 Peter 2:15; Jude). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, W. M. Ramsay, LSC, pp. 298-302, 335-353;.
The Nicolaitian church is embedded in the modern church and they are characterized by an anti-discipline disposition , and they exploit followers by twisting the scriptures to suggest that the freedom Christ spoke of in John8:36 “…ye shall be free indeed ‘ is a freedom to indulge in sex and the occult . The scriptures describes the theme of the doctrine of the Nicolaitan church in 2 Peter 2:19 “ While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”KJV . Those who follow this doctrine justify sexual perversion and do not hold to the sacredness of marriage in the church. This is behind the increase in marital crisis in the church.
The teaching of liberty in Christ is the freedom from the dominion of sin (Rom 7:9) and the life that we live is by the grace of God : it liberates us from sin ,the scriptures says in Titus 2:11-13NLT “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,”
Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins against you. I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation. I receive him him as lord and saviour and receive grace to overcome sinful desires and protection against the manipulations of false prophets in Jesus name
Prayer +234 8098536911, +234 8035536911, email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Pics credit, :pixabay.
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