Revelation 2:6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

 

In His letter to the Ephesians, Jesus noted both the good and the bad to the Pastor of that Church. In the first part of the letter, Jesus praised them for all their hard work, perseverance, and patience. In addition, He pointed out that He was pleased with their Discernment of Spirits and that they recognized false apostles and evil when it was in their midst.

 

This was all good, but then Jesus rebuked them for turning from their first love, which was Him and His Finished Work on the Cross of Calvary. With this rebuke, He warned them that if they did not return to their first love, He would remove their lampstand which means He would destroy their Church even though they had worked so hard and done so much good. We discussed this in the Morning Message yesterday.

 

As Jesus continued, He again praised them for their hate of the Nicolaitans. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6) Who are the Nicolaitans and why does Jesus hate them?

 

There is very little information about them in Scripture but a study of early history determines their doctrine to be much the same as that of Balaam. Ireneus and Hippolytus were both leaders and historians in the Early Church. They recorded many events in Early Church history. Their writings indicate that the Nicolaitans were spiritual descendants of Nicolas of Antioch who had been ordained a deacon but due to his background, brought practices of the occult into the Early Church.

 

The Nicolaitans were influenced by their leader, “the woman Jezebel.” (Revelation 2:20) When we break down their name in the Greek language it actually means “one who conquers and subdues the people.” Their controlling spirit draws people away from the Truth of the Gospel of Christ and into their evil practices which consisted of eating things sacrificed to idols and fornication.

 

We find much of this in the Church today as people, professing to be Christians, bring evil practices into fellowships of believers. This is so prevalent today with all the New Age concepts being mixed with the Truth of the Word of God and the Gospel of Christ.

 

Jesus said. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6) If He hated it then, He still hates it today. There is no place for any New Age or occultic doctrine in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mysticism and Eastern Religion practices are creeping into the Church today. While it may be subtle, if it is allowed to continue, the spirit of Jezebel and Nicolaus will soon take over and that fellowship of believers will fall into the hands of the enemy.

 

Jesus praised the Ephesians for hating this and if we want the praises of our Lord and Savior, we would be well advised to hate it as well. If the Holy Spirit directs me, we will delve further into this tomorrow. Jesus is soon returning for His Church which is to be without spot or wrinkle. (Ephesians 5:27) All else will be left behind. Let us seek to be pure in the Eyes of God.

 

Jesus is about to……….turn the tide

 

I pray you are ready to go,         Doreen

 

www.bettsministries.org