In our previous article we considered what the standard of measurement was that could have been used in order for MESSIAH to pronounce blessing upon some of the believers at Ephesus for their works, and cursing upon others for their deeds. That standard had to have been the Torah of YHWH since there is ample evidence of it being propagated by the lives and writings of YESHUA’S apostles. (See Nicolaitans Part One – In Ephesus)
In this article we want to investigate what the Nicolaitans were teaching as doctrine. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans is hated in Pergamos by MESSIAH just as their deeds were in Ephesus! I hope to show, by comparison of certain texts what the doctrine of the Nicolaitans might have been…
We see in Revelation 2:12-13, YESHUA says “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
Here we see MESSIAH commending them for:
- Their works (same Strong’s Word used in pronouncing blessing upon the Ephesians).
- Their dwelling place; where Satan’s throne is.
- Holding fast to HIS Name (like the Ephesians did).
- Not denying MESSIAH’S faith in spite of severe persecution and murderous attacks upon them.
But in spite of receiving commendation, they also receive MESSIAH’S rebuke for allowing various forms of false doctrine in their midst. Notice:
14But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.”
I find it intriguing that YESHUA, knowing exactly what “the doctrine of Balaam” is, then says “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” What could MESSIAH mean by saying “Thus?” The word “thus” means, “in this way, likewise, in this manner, etc.”
It appears that MESSIAH is saying that “the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” is in this way as or likewise or in this same manner as, or very similar to “the doctrine of Balaam.”
So, from what we have considered in the previous articles on Nicolaitans In Ephesus Part One and The Doctrine of Balaam we can conclude that “the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” must consist of the teachings which would encourage:
- …deeds that were in opposition to those works that are in harmony with The Law of GOD…
- …a rejection of the apostolic doctrine of MESSIAH…
- …profaning the Name of YHWH by beliefs and practices…
- …self-centeredness and a love for celebrity status…
- …biblical disobedience stemming from being a people pleaser and greedy…
- …a religious expression that allows for idolatry and sexual immorality in it’s midst…
Does this kind of religious expression remind you of anything that we see today? Could a lawless religious system be what Paul saw and wrote about concerning the last days?
2Timothy 3:1-7 “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
There is no blessing for the professing believer who is trusting in “the commandments and doctrines of men.”
Matthew 15:3-9 “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 5But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”—6then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
8‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.
9And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
Without emotional attachment to the people and the system, can you objectively evaluate your current religion? Is it’s practices and beliefs founded in the Scriptures or are they just a continuation of unbiblical traditions? Do you honestly witness the true POWER of GOD in your midst and in your personal life? Or are you just wanting to so badly that you are willing to compromise truth with feelings?
If you are currently involved in a religious system that has “a form of godliness, but denying its power”, one that has it’s basis in the “commandments and doctrines of men” instead of in The Commandments and Doctrine of GOD, isn’t it time that you “turn away” from it and follow The True GOD of The Bible, according to HIS Word???
