This study was first taught on November 29, 2011

Topic: Entering Into The Kingdom of Heaven (3.3.3)

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Background
Last week, we saw the Lord’s condemnation of the tolerance of the church in Pergamos, in allowing some of their members who were engaged in doctrinal practices contrary to the doctrines of God, to remain in the church. We emphasized the fact that the Lord’s anger was targeted at the church, because they did not stamp out such contrary doctrines, neither did they excommunicate their practitioners. Such a tolerance was a danger to the faith of the members who were living right, as they could easily be infected and corrupted, by those practicing false doctrines, because, “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9); “evil communication corrupts good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33); and “profane and vain babbling … will increase unto more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:16-18).

We saw that the Lord expected the church in Pergamos, as He does, the churches today, to put away (throw out of the church) the corrupters of the people; teach the right doctrines continually; and, correct every erroneous doctrine. If the church tolerates unrepentant practitioners of erroneous doctrines to remain within it, they will corrupt the faith of the many young believers in our midst, and even some of the older ones. We thus concluded that we must teach God’s people to avoid practices that are contrary to the word of God (even though they may be prevalent or may come from a so-called ‘God's country’). We also noted in conclusion, that God breathed on His word (2 Timothy 3:16), and it does not vary from one nation to another or from one generation to another; hence, we are not to trifle with it, or handle it with levity; but we should receive it with the witness of the Holy Spirit as we listen to messages. We said also that we should not be carried away by some emotional appeal of messages that are essentially the doctrines of men, of Balaam, and of the Nicolaitans.

If you are a born again child of God, you are expected to live by the doctrine of God alone; and if you are a preacher of the word of God, you are to preach the doctrine of God alone, in the Name of Jesus Christ!

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 7:21-22; Revelation 2:12-17
Tonight, we shall draw the curtain on the Lord’s message to the church in Pergamos, as we see the choices He offers them, as well as the reward of eternity for making the right choice. May the Holy Spirit enlighten our eyes and give us understanding, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Lord’s condemnation of the tolerance of the church in Pergamos of some of their members who were engaged in doctrinal practices, which were contrary to the doctrines of God, was followed by the offer of one of two choices—repentance or war! There was also the offer of rewards for making the right choice—hidden manna, and, a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the bearer of the stone.
Hosea 6:1-2; 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11; Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:10-14; 19:2-9; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Jude 9: Daniel 10:12-13, 20; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 12:11; 19:11-16; John 6:60-66; Acts 9:1-6; Psalm 2:12a; Matthew 21:42, 44; Ephesians 6:17b; Hebrews 4:12-13; John 6:48-52, 58; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Matthew 7:21-22a; 15:9.

Conclusion
In order to be able to exercise the right to make the right choice, we have set forth the true meaning of ‘repentance’, and ‘war’ as indicated by the Lord. We have seen that true repentance is a turning away from a course of action which is contrary to the right way, and a turning back to the right way. Such genuine repentance is the culmination of godly sorrow for sin, and is marked by acknowledgement of wrong, restitution of one’s ways, repudiation of sin, and, a change in behaviour. War on the other hand, is spiritual, and is a ‘war of words’ (between the Lord and Satan) and a ‘war of attrition’ (the wearing down of an enemy by applying certain actions or strategies). Such a war impacts the unrepentant and unregenerate mind by pushing them out of God’s kingdom, but brings the truly repentant person to His knees, resulting in unfeigned submission to Christ.

The choices offered by the Lord targeted two groups: the tolerant church, being one group, and the teachers and practitioners of erroneous doctrines, being the other. Hence, we find that the Lord is saying that if the church does not change from its tolerance of erroneous doctrines, by speaking against those doctrines and ejecting its practitioners out of the church (through teaching the correct doctrines), then, He would come quickly or suddenly on them, when they least expect! He will fight against those practitioners of erroneous doctrines Himself with the word of His mouth, which is the Sword of the Spirit.

But for the church and those who once practiced erroneous doctrines, who truly repent, there is a reward. The reward is the Bread of Life, which is reserved in heaven for those who overcome; and a ‘white stone’ of victory over the wiles of Satan; and is eternal.

Hence, for those who would stand before the Lord with claims of having preached (prophesying) in His name (by His authority), the questions will be: Who sent you? Whose doctrine did you preach? And, how was the doctrine practiced? Thus, unless we are teaching and preaching the doctrines of Christ, which enable the separation of the ‘old leaven (sin) from the lump (church)’, we shall not enter into the kingdom of God! We would therefore, do well to turn away from carnal, profane and vain babblings which increases ungodliness, and turn to the undiluted doctrines of Christ which promote holiness and godly living. This is one of the requirements for those who would be partakers of the kingdom which has been reserved for all who have shunned ungodliness!

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