Jesus’ Message to His Tolerant Church

Revelation 2:12-17

The Church of England was once a very Bible-believing church. Bishops Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, Hugh Latimer confessed the true faith. They believed and taught the gospel, justification in Christ alone, and that sanctification is by the Word and Spirit alone. But they suffered for their faith. When Queen Mary ascended the throne, she burned them at the stake. The Beast killed them. She listened to the doctrines of the false prophet and the Antichrist and killed these witnesses. But fast forward many centuries. Many congregations of the Church of England no longer profess these truths. In fact, they deny the gospel.

Archbishop of Canterbury William Temple, in 1953, said, “... there is no such thing as revealed truth.” There goes the Bible. In 1961, Bishop James Pike called the virgin birth a “primitive myth” saying Joseph was probably Jesus’ real father. There goes the virgin birth and Christ’s sinlessness. Certainly, faithful churches still exist in the Church of England. And while we’re not in all things alike, we thank God for them. But this is clear - when you deny the gospel, you’ll eventually celebrate sin. Instead of - if you love me, keep my commandments; it’s now - love is love.

Folks, we’re all sinners saved by grace. But if we reject Christ - the only savior; and his gospel - logically and consequently, we’ll affirm and permit sin. Yes, a church may have a great heritage. Satan couldn’t destroy her by persecution. So he tries another way - not persecution by the Beast, but seduction by the Harlot and deception by the Antichrist. This was seen in the church of Pergamos. She withstood persecution, but tolerated sin. And Christ had words for her. We see them in 4 sections. Firstly, he assured her of his sharp judgment; secondly, he evaluated her faithfulness and forbearance; thirdly, he exhorted her to repent of her compromise; and fourthly, he promised to reward her with fellowship.

Firstly, he assured her of his sharp judgment. Pergamos faced not only beast but harlot. Yes, she resisted the beast, but was in bed with the harlot. And what she didn’t cut out would destroy her. And we see that Christ will judge. We see this in verse 12 - “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.” Christ assured Ephesus he was with her despite her lovelessness. The Preeminent Christ promised to reward Smyrna with first prize, because her great suffering made her feel like a loser. But to Pergamos, the assurance was different - not comfort but threat. Since the church tolerated sin, Christ said he’d come with his sharp sword with two edges. This was the same image in chapter 1. No one can bear his judgment and rebuke for their compromise. But remember specifically that this letter was addressed to the angel - the church leaders. They were to take heed that Christ would judge the church for their toleration of sin. And that’s why, painfully, this sermon applies especially to officers here.

But what was unique about her context to warrant this scary assurance? The Lord started with Ephesus and moved north the postal route to Pergamos. Now, Smyrna was the first Roman city; Pergamos was the Roman capital in Asia Minor. This status meant that the death penalty could be carried out there. This right belonged to the Roman governor. He had the ius gladii or the right of the sword. It declared that Rome owned the power of highest judgment. But Christ’s words showed that true power ultimately belongs to him. Literally in Greek - “these things says he who has the sword, the doubled edged, the sharp.” It’s different from his words in chapter 1. It’s like he’s dragging out the description to emphasize each characteristic of that judgment. It will be a judgment - the sword. It’ll be discerning - it’s double-edged. And it’ll be cutting - it’s sharp. This assurance of Christ was given to comfort and threaten them. Why?

Because secondly, we see his evaluation of her faithfulness but also her wicked forbearance. Verse 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.” He saw their faithfulness. Christ always knows the works of his churches. But specific to Pergamos, he knew where they lived. Meaning, their works were connected to where they lived. And they lived where Satan lived and ruled. So of the churches, it had the most intense persecution. You see, it was the center for Caesar worship. It also had an immense throne shaped altar to Zeus on the Acropolis, sitting on a huge platform 300 meters above the city. On it, animal sacrifices were offered 24/7. Also, Pergamos was a center for the worship of Asclepius - the god of medicine. His symbol - the rod of Asclepius - was a staff entwined with a snake. This symbol is still used on ambulances. In his worship, the sick were brought to his temple. Non-venomous snakes would crawl around and touch them. They hoped this ritual would heal them. Now, Christians know the significance of the serpent. The dragon and old serpent of Revelation 12 and 20 is Satan. We see his mark even today. So in Pergamos, there was the worship of man, Zeus, and the devil.

But it was particularly because Christians wouldn’t worship man that led to state persecution. You see, peaceful co-existence was impossible. The persecution was so bad, Antipas was killed. Tradition tells us he was the pastor there. But Jesus’ eulogy calling him “my faithful martyr.” What an honor! Jesus himself was given this name in Revelation 5. So Antipas was like Christ. Both were faithful to the end and executed. Now, interestingly, Christ didn’t tell them to move. It’s the place they lived. Normally, persecuted people escape. But here, they continued to dwell there. Two words are translated “dwell” in the New Testament. One is a temporary dwelling and the other used here, means a permanent dwelling. So they planted roots. Their witness was steadfast. This was their work! People often emigrate when it’s too tough and pressurizing. But we need to witness faithfully where we live. Satan’s sword is in every place. But ultimately, the greater sword belongs to Christ. Antipas was cut to death because of ius gladii. But in the end, he was commended - he was my faithful martyr. This eulogy was delivered by the sword, the doubled edged, the sharp.

But that’s where the commendation stops. Christ condemned their wicked forbearance. Verses 14-15 - “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. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.” Now very clearly, the condemnation was addressed to “thee.” You singular. It was to the angel of the church. You see, the leader had tolerated doctrinal and moral seduction. And this condemnation was interesting. It was not directed at the doctrinally and morally seduced. Rather, it was against those who tolerated them. Some in the church held to the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes - the very doctrines hated by Christ and Ephesus, but tolerated by Pergamos! Verses 14-15 say these people were still in the church. And while we don’t know the teaching, it’s clear it led to sin. Forbearing false teaching leads to sinful living.

Verse 14 describes what happened. It was called the doctrine of Balaam. “Doctrine” means teaching and way of life. They adopted Balaam’s way of life. Balam was a prophet in the Old Testament. Balak offered him money to curse the Israelites. But he couldn’t. Christ appeared with a sword and stopped him - remember the account with the donkey? So Balaam couldn’t curse them. But he still wanted money. So he told Balak to get the men of Israel involved with pagan women. That way, the women will seduce them into idolatry. And it happened. Balak did Balaam’s dirty work resulting in 4000 men being judged! So in Pergamos, a Balaam-like way of life led to immorality. Same thing with the Nicolaitanes. Verse 15 says, “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.” “So hast thou” means “likewise.” There’s the word “also” - “likewise, you also have them.” Meaning, the Nicolaitane ethos also made them sin. Doctrinal seduction led to moral seduction. Wrong doctrine led to sinful living. This was the False Prophet and Antichrist working with the harlot to cause God’s people to sin. So what happened?

Christians seduced by the doctrine committed idolatry and fornication. You see in the ancient world, everything revolved around religion. Each trade guild sacrificed to its own patron god. They sacrificed to him. Then they’d feast on the sacrificed meat. They’d get drunk and have sex with the temple priestesses. Now as converts, they’d given this up. But with the philosophy of Balaam and the Nicolaitanes, they were seduced back to such sin. Maybe they said, we worship Christ who’s the true God! These other gods are not real! So participation in these things is not really religious but only social and economic. It’s like what some Christians do today - to honor their dead relatives, they hold joss-sticks, burn joss paper, bow and worship the dead, gamble at the wake. After all, it’s not religious - it’s just cultural! Oh, who are we to judge? Let them marry! God doesn’t want them to be lonely; after all, love is love. And beloved, I say these things not because we are perfect. Remember, these words of Christ are addressed to all the churches. We also have our own wicked compromises. What do we tolerate in our midst? And what might we officers tolerate? We confess that there’s worldliness in our midst. In the quest to enjoy our Christian liberty, maybe we have tolerated sin in what we watch and listen to. We’ve tolerated marital discord - ya la, that couple always having trouble. But we have not mourned. Or we may have tolerated the unequal yoke - and not upheld the kingship of Christ. Have we compromised?

So what does God say? Thirdly, he exhorted her to repent of her compromise. Verse 16 - “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” Remember, Christ was speaking to church leaders who allowed such false teaching and false living to continue. Yes, immorality is bad; but toleration is worse. So they had to repent of their tolerance. That she was forbearing those who sinned with impunity, was sin in the eyes of God. To repent meant to stop tolerating and to address the issues; to call them to repentance; to help them find satisfaction in Christ; to point them to the joys of a holy life. Yes, church discipline would’ve been necessary in some cases. But if the leaders didn’t stop their toleration, there was a threat - I’ll come to thee quickly. If you don’t deal with sin, I’ll come to fight you with the sword. Who’d come? The one who had the sword, the double edged, the sharp.

But here’s the interesting bit. Who’d he fight against? He’d fight against them. The pronouns have changed. You repent or I’ll come to you quickly. And I’ll come to fight against them. They - the unrepentant - will be judged. This shows several things. He called leaders to repentance. And leaders who repented by not tolerating sin, would be counted faithful. But those who continued to tolerate, are actually themselves seduced by the harlot. Toleration means approval. Lot tolerated those in Sodom, and offered his daughters to the men of the city. While he escaped by the skin of his teeth by the grace of God - his wife didn’t. She could’ve, but her eyes were not set toward Zoar for freedom, but treasured the sin of Sodom. Dearly beloved, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already All sin can be forgiven except the sin of willful unbelief and impenitence.

But what about those who’d repent? Fourthly, the Lord promised to reward her with fellowship. Verse 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.” There was a dinner invitation for those who repented of toleration. Dinner is a picture of friendship. You break bread with friends. Jesus offered them friendship when he said I’ll give them hidden manna. But why hidden? We know a pot of manna was put into the ark of the covenant according to God’s instructions. According to Hebrew tradition, when the Babylonians destroyed the temple, Jeremiah hid the ark. When the Messiah comes, he’d reveal the ark and feed his people with manna. We know that Jesus the Messiah has already come. He’s the bread of life. If we repent and believe on him, we partake of his forgiveness and friendship. So friendship was promised - those who repent and overcome - would dine with him at that great eternal supper. And this was an exclusive invitation - only to those who overcome I’ll give a white stone with a new name. They understood this as a high honor. White stones were symbols of privilege. They functioned as tickets. Those who had them could enter certain feasts and celebrations. They were also given out as rewards for exemplary citizenship and courage. A select few gladiators were given these white stones with SP carved on them. These initials stood for “spectatus.” Their spectacular courage was proven beyond doubt. So Christ used this illustration to show he honors those who resist sin, and don’t give into the world’s seduction, but pursue after holiness. And the white stone has a new name carved on it. While our text doesn’t say, Revelation 3:12 reveals it as Christ’s new name. Revelation 22:4 says this name is written on the foreheads of his servants. We who are saved by him and continue to believe on him have his mark of honor on us. It’s true that some who call themselves Christian will compromise with the immoral demands of the world. They have the mark of the beast on them. But those who have Christ’s name on their foreheads, who suffered, who couldn’t buy or sell, who were ridiculed - they can enter that supper.

Beloved, how do we apply this passage? We tolerate a whole lot of things. We tolerate our sins and the sins of others. Now, you know I’m not saying we should be universal censors and judges. But that’s the point of the Lord’s Supper is it not? To recognize our unworthiness, to examine ourselves, to know that we’ve given in to the seduction of the world. Yes, we can speak legitimately about our dressing, leisure, and music - we can say how these things show what we love. But these things illustrate how we may have a heart that doesn’t fear Christ; a heart that is not desirous of holy living. Look, I’m sure there’s secret sin here. You’re beyond being careful what your eyes see - your thumbs are already taking you there everyday. Your conscience is numbed by your consistent immoral decisions at work that once went against every fiber in your being. But it’s the economy - it’s not religion; and now you make those decisions with impugnity.

As we come before him at the table, we want him as our passover lamb, but forget he’s the purifying fire that must burn the leaven of sin from our lives. We forget that Christ has a sword in his mouth, a double edged sword, a sharp sword. And Christ sharply calls these things idolatry. But the context here is specific. Our Lord is against - not so much the idolatry - but the tolerance and compromise in our midst. To officers - with humility, let us confess our sins of tolerance, our cowardice, our own sins, our weakness; that we may lovingly shepherd the flock and steer them from sin. Congregation, your officers have a delicate task - can we receive their rule? Will they now be harsh? That’s why, we look to the Lord Jesus now who invites us to his Table. He’s the perfect prophet, priest, and king - the perfect pastor, elder, deacon - who works through his penitent officers. He served you by dying for you - making you clean. He prays for you when you’re weak and struggling with sin. He reminds you by his Spirit and Word of his commandments and gospel. He forgives your waywardness. He supplies you with strength to forsake your sins. He gives you a heavenly hope. Since you’ll be with him in heaven, may you hate your sweet sins and find them bitter? The Lord Jesus comes to you at the Table as your loving host, inviting you to come to him - and when you do - hoping in all that he is, he gives you power to forsake your sin. Come dearly beloved - you who have that white stone - to his banqueting table and find him sweet and satisfying. The one who gives these assuring words is also the one who says he’ll come quickly unless you forsake your sin of tolerance. You must respect the sword, the double-edged, the sharp.

1. He Assured Her of His Sharp Judgment

A. Christ will judge

B. Her unique context

2. He Evaluated Her Faithfulness and Forbearance

A. Her faithfulness in intense persecution

B. Her forbearance of doctrinal and moral seduction

3. He Exhorted Her to Repent of Her Compromise

A. Her repentance

B. Their judgment

4. He Promised to Reward Her With Fellowship

A. A dinner invitation

B. An exclusive invitation

Conversation for Change:

1. Do you believe there’s much tolerance of sin in churches today? Why do you think officers find it so hard to address rebellion and sin? What is the sweet-spot between patience and judgment?

2. How can we find the fuel to forsake sin and the strength to resist the seduction of the world? How does the Lord Supper help us?

3. If officers are called to repent here, how can the congregation make it easy for them to discharge their duties?