The Devil’s Gonna’ Get You
So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Revelation 2:15 NASB
Nicolaitans – One of the reasons I avoid studies of verses in John’s apocalyptic revelation is the continual attempts to read the report of his vision as if it were predictive prophecy. Any brief examination of the history of these attempts will clearly demonstrate how wrong they are. Virtually every generation since John died on Patmos has interpreted his vision as if it were about the present generation, and twenty centuries later, biblical believers are doing the same thing. But sometimes sanity must prevail. So, here goes.
I received this message in an email:
In this video and a few which will follow, we present another pointed insight for you to prayerfully consider as to the destructive impact of passivity-producing Nicolaitanism on Christianity over the centuries. The widespread use of the rote “sinner’s prayer” by Nicolaitan clergy as well as by many ministries that support the Nicolaitan establishment has produced countless “converts” who profess a belief but who are also aware they aren’t indwelled by the Holy Spirit. This incapacitating void has hamstrung so many within organized religious systems in a number of ways. These include nullifying the need for spiritual gifts in extending our Lord’s Kingdom and keeping in bondage so many professing believers who are powerless to battle Satan’s demonic hordes for the souls of mankind. All too many service attendees are content with the familiarity of their religious practice, and are complacently comfortable even without the presence of the Holy Spirit.[1]
To examine this claim we must know a little about the Nicolaitans. You can read a proposed analysis here.[2] Unfortunately, the analysis presupposes a Christian interpretation of the texts and contains a great deal of speculation about the supposed founder, Nicolas of Antioch. The author attempts to show that the real issue of the Nicolaitans was pagan syncretism into the Christian faith, particularly occult practices. His conclusions are pure speculation since the biblical text says nothing about the Nicolaitans’ beliefs or practices. But the mere fact that such speculation exists explains the warning of the Dowgiewicz’ email. Did you notice their message describes the need to combat “Satan’s demonic hordes”? Apparently without the “indwelling of the Holy Spirit,” we poor followers of the Messiah are powerless. God can do nothing with us until we have experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit and fight off the Devil with the Holy Spirit’s gifts. And all of this is the result of compromise with paganism (a lá Nicolas of Antioch). Oh, my God, what ever shall we do?
My thoughts (take them or leave them): Syncretism is a real issue. The Trinitarian concept of “The Holy Spirit” is also part of this syncretism. Apparently this part is acceptable. I’m not sure why. Compromise is a problem, but Christianity is compromise. I don’t see Jewish believers chasing after the “indwelling of the Holy Spirit” in order to fight Satanic hordes. That idea is also imported from a pagan view of good and evil. And finally, the notion that I can somehow command the “gifts of the Spirit” in this cosmic battle seems as far-fetched as “Death Stars” and “warp speed.” My Bible isn’t a Marvel comic or a version of Star Wars. That’s another reason why I stay away from apocalyptic visions. Who knows what they were really about?
Topical Index: Nicolaitans, apocalyptic, occult, pagan, Revelation 2:15
[1] Mike and Sue Dowgiewicz, “Is Your Christian Life Missing The Holy Spirit,” email, 27 March 2020
[2] https://renner.org/who-were-nicolaitans-what-was-doctrine-deeds/
