December 5, 2023 - Revelation 2:12-17

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum . . . “ (2:12). “Satan’s throne” – Pergamum was an important center for pagan worship, a stronghold of Satan. Can’t help but think of the many churches, in our own day, that find themselves in the midst of false teachings and in dangerous situations. Like the church at Pergamum, so many of these present day churches remain faithful in the face of false teaching and persecution. In Pergamum, amidst the oppression and persecution, Antipas remained faithful even unto death. Others also remained faithful. However, the church abided the false teachings of the Nicolaitans. The Lord instructs the church to repent, to reject the false teachings; if not, he will come and take care of matters himself: “I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth” (2:16). I think the church probably does not want that to happen for it will demonstrate that it has been unfaithful. On the other hand, to the one who conquers the false teaching, to that one Jesus will give a white stone, a symbol of victory. False teachers remain in the world, today. Let us hear what the Spirit says.

We shall have a new name in that land . . .

We’ll receive it in a pure white stone,

And no one will know the name therein,

Only unto him who hath ‘tis known,

When we’re free from sin.

A white stone, a white stone

We'll receive up there;

A white stone, a white stone,

All who enter there.

We shall have a new name in that land,

In that land, that sunny, sunny land,

When we meet the bright angelic band,

In that sunny land. --J. E. Hall (1878)