The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

by Terry Wane Benton

Revelation 2:15 mentions the doctrine of the Nicolaitans and says that God "hates" that doctrine. Whatever it was, the church at Pergamos had members that taught this doctrine as well as the doctrine of Balaam (Revelation 2:14). Because of these doctrines in the church, God had "a few things against you." Whatever these doctrines were, it mattered to God and He was not going to tolerate it.

Contrary to what people today think, doctrine is important to God. John said that we must "abide in the doctrine of Christ" (II John 9-10) and that if you don't abide (stay put; don't venture into other doctrines that originate from men) then you "have neither the Father nor the Son." Doctrine is equated with having God. You cannot have God without the right doctrine, the pure doctrine of Christ. When the doctrine taught is from men, it contaminates the relationship with God and causes a separation from Him. If the church tolerates such doctrines, they risk separation from God's fellowship.

Don't let anyone tell you that "that is just doctrine and doctrine does not matter." You cannot have God's favor without the pure doctrine of Christ. -