Specifically, He rebuked the minister of the church who, despite serving the people, tolerated and ignored the erroneous teachings of some leaders who held to “the doctrine of Balaam.” Such ministers were found to be promoting backsliding and sinful behaviour.
Christ condemned the doctrine of Balaam, highlighting the negative practices in the church in Pergamos. Some members of that church had backslidden and forgotten the teachings of the new life in Christ. Instead, they learned to place stumbling blocks before believers, teaching them to “eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” Christ condemned these practices then and He still condemns them today.
The doctrine of Balaam is, in fact, the doctrine of the devil. It is designed to lead people astray, causing them to slide back into their old, sinful ways. Therefore, our ministers should not emulate “positive preachers” who focus solely on uplifting messages while neglecting to address the evil in their congregations.Jesus Christ hates the deeds of backsliders, despite the efforts of the minister in the church at Pergamos, there were leaders who clung to “the doctrine (and deeds) of the Nicolaitans.” They subtly injected their corrupt and evil practices into various aspects of the church, influencing others to backslide.
Similarly, today, while it is important for all preachers to labour diligently, we must not neglect to monitor the congregation’s spiritual state nor fail to address the spread of evil whenever it is observed within the church.
There is impending judgment on all backsliders and Christ actually confirmed this with respects to the church of Pergamos, warning them of the damnation of burning in hell. He urged them to repent and embrace the convicting word that rescues from eternal condemnation.
Today, we must preach the uncompromising word, intercede for backsliders, counsel them and reverse the influence of the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans in their minds to help rescue them from a regrettable eternity. The desire of the Lord for His worshippers is to repent and become consecrated followers and live in holiness throughout their lives. This is essential to avoid His wrath on the final day. Those who contradict Christ’s righteous teachings and promote what He hates will face His judgment at the end of life.
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” He wants us to be consecrated, courageous and to prevail despite the corruption in our environment. He desires us to hold fast to His word and name, and not deny the faith, so that we can overcome on the last day.
Christ testifies of one man identified as Antipas, a courageous hero, who did not deny the faith in the face of martyrdom at a place where Satan manifests brutal authority. Anyone who stands firm and maintains their spiritual integrity amid persecution, contradiction, error, corruption and the devil’s crushing power, is a courageous hero. That reminds us of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Daniel, Paul the Apostle, Peter, John and other Apostles, as well as Moses. “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” The Lord desires to make each of us a hero who stands firm on God’s word, uncompromising regardless of challenges.
Christ promised a concealed heritage to those who overcome the influence of erroneous preachers like Balaam, seducers, temptations, works of the flesh, contradictory doctrines and sinful propensities that can cause us to stumble. Those who have received Christ’s message of righteousness will surely receive this reward. However, Christ urged us to reexamine our lives, correct our ways and consecrate ourselves to Him. We must renew our commitment to Him and restrain ourselves from modern day likes of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. Only then can we enjoy His promise of “hidden manna” and a “new name” presently and on the final day.
• Further Reading (King James Version): Revelation 2:12-17; Hebrews 9:27; 10:27-31; Revelation 2:13; Hebrews 11:27;Revelation 2:17; Mark 4:23,24.
