Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
The Seat of Satan: Ancient Pergamum
This is an informative article on the church and Antipas.
Jesus wants His church to know what pleases Him and what He will not tolerate. He also wants them and us to know:
1) He knows everything
2) He sees everything
3) He knows specific details and personal details.
Jesus is a personal Lord and Savior. Jesus tells us what is required of His own whether it be in our faith or in sin.
The Commendation
Jesus first tells them I know where you live and I see the seat of Satan is in Pergamum. I watch as you hold to your faith even in the face of death. This is His good news to those who have turned completely from their pagan lifestyle and are in severe persecution. Then Jesus says “but.” There is “but” in scripture that tells us about the deepth and richness of God’s love (Eph. 2). This “but” is not that, this “but” is a rebuke for sin. This rebuke was active then and holds true today. Who falls under the “but” of rebuke?
But Of Rebuke
There were people teaching others in the church false doctrine which Jesus called the “doctrine of Balaam.” We need to know what this is because it is still being taught today.
The story of Balaam is found in Numbers chapters 22-25.
The basics of this doctrine is, you profess to be a Christian, do all the do, and you can live for and love the world. In 2 Peter 2 we find an entire chapter devoted to false prophets and false doctrine. Peter talks about the way of Balaam in verse 15 (2 Peter 2:15), which is to love what you gain from the ways of the world. In other words, you love the world and all it offers and God’s grace is okay with that. Should sound familiar.
Does God Warn Of This
God warns and warns throughout His word the consequences of unrepented sin. God will not compromise His holiness so you can indulge in the lusts offered by this world. The wages of sin is still death (Romans 6:23).
What Should Take Place
Is it obvious you don’t belong to this world because you are not conformed or conforming to the latest fad, ways, or thoughts of what society deems acceptable? Is Jesus, as God in flesh, the main subject of your pastors sermons? Do you learn who God is from Genesis to Revelation? These questions and many others are imperative because there is eternity at stake.
Jesus commands repentance and clearly states the consequence of no repentance.
What Will Happen
Revelation 2:16 KJV Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Jesus, Himself, will come and make war against the unrepentant. How, by the sword of His mouth. What is that? It is the spoken word. The word war means war but it also means wages. When Jesus returns He will be bringing everyone’s wages with Him. In other words, every word spoken by God will come to pass. Do you know what your wages will be?
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.