March 2010

The Church of Pergamos

The letter to the Church of Pergamos is found in Revelation 2:12-17. To this assembly, Christ identifies Himself as “he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.” This sword represents truth, judgment, and authority.

The Church of Pergamos is commended for their works and faithfulness to their faith in Christ, even when Antipas was martyred for his faith. While dwelling in the midst of an evil environment, “where Satan’s seat is”, they remained true to the name of Christ.

Nevertheless, Christ exposes and condemns two doctrinal errors that had crept into this church. The Lord rebuked the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.

“The doctrine of Balaam means no separation between the godly and the ungodly, free intermingling with no standards of righteousness, always a sad condition in any church.”[1]

Holy and righteous living needs to be preached from the pulpits and practiced by everyone claiming the name of Christ. The world must be able to recognize a difference in Christians.

The doctrine of the Nicolaitans taught the clergy was to be over the laity. The Nicolaitans attempted to use Christian liberty as an excuse for self-indulgence and immorality. Pastors are to be shepherds, leaders and examples, to the church body; not dictators and rulers.

These doctrines produced idolatry, immorality, and infidelity within the church.

The counsel of the Lord was for the Church to repent! The gracious Lord always offers a season to repent of sin. Repent, or else there would be severe punishment. Jesus would come and fight against the proponents of these heretical doctrines.

This passage concludes with a promise of eternal reward to all overcomers. Each would receive provision of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name from the Lord. A white stone meant acquittal and was symbolic of eternal life.

Jesus Christ “loved the church, and gave Himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish”, Ephesians 5:25-27.

The Lord said, “Be holy, for I am holy”, 1 Peter 1:16. How are we doing, Church?

Learning to serve,
Robert Finley

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[1] Jim Combs, Rainbows From Revelation, (Springfield, MO: Tribune Publishers, 1994), 26.