SUGGESTED HEAD: Christians, churches must stand firm regarding Biblical truths
By Austin Bishop
6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate..
— Revelation 2:6 (NIV)
Many may overlook this very important verse when they are reading the book of Revelation. It is one of the last comments in Jesus’ message to the church of Ephesus.
In early verses he had commended them for what they had done well, before pointing out that they no longer had the fire in their heart for Him or the Word of God like they first did. Then Jesus comes back with this very positive statement in verse 6, noting that they had disgust for the brand of “christianity” the Nicolaitans were practicing, just as He did.
Is this important, you may ask? Oh, very!
During this time it appears that the Nicolaitans were a sect of the early Christian Church. Among the things they apparently taught was that through grace a Christian could live any kind of lifestyle they so chose. Sound familiar?
A few decades ago many would have scoffed at such an idea being accepted, much less taught in the church. Things have changed.
Grace is important and is very, very real. Because of the great love of God, we have grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. Our sins are indeed forgiven and covered by that sacred moment on the cross and the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb, but that does not give us permission to live a life intentionally in opposition to the Word of God.
A true believer in Christ seeks a closeness with him and has a desire to honor the Word of God. We should not be looking for ways to “get around” God’s teaching, but should have a desire to know about what He desires from our life.
At the time Revelation was written it is apparent that the Nicolaitans had begun teaching that living an immoral lifestyle in opposition to the Word of God was acceptable inside the church.
This is a dangerous teaching that is certainly gaining ground in the 21st century. In an effort to make the Word of God “desirable” to the World. many churches and their leaders have attempted to soften the Word, or just not bring up such subjects as “sin.”
Jesus noticed the stand the Church of Ephesus took against the Nicolaitans and applauded them for it.
Obviously, there are modern-day “Nicolaitans” today, promoting a version of Christianity that fits inside their opinions and fleshly desires.
If Jesus wrote a letter to the churches we attend today, would He applaud us for our stand for what is right and what is wrong? This is not about our opinions of what is right or wrong. It’s not about our preferences. It’s not about excluding people we don’t agree with. It’s about one thing and one thing only — what the Word of God says is right and wrong.
How the Bible addresses the issues inside of the New Testament Church is very, very important.
Hopefully God’s true church will take the stance of the church of Ephesus and oppose false teaching inside its body. It’s too eternally important not to stand firm.
It can be done with love and compassion, but it must be done or the church will become unrecognizable.
Austin Bishop is an ordained Assemblies of God minister and has been a journalist for 50 years. Those wishing to receive his daily devotional/Bible study notes may sign up by texting @morning24 to 81010. He can be reached by e-mail at starsportsboss@yahoo.com.
