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What the Spirit Says to the Angel of the Church in Pergamos – Part 2

Updated November 3, 2023

Rev 2:15  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Rev 2:16  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev 2:17  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.

Introduction

In urging us to “keep the things written therein”, the first church addressed by the spirit is Ephesus. Ephesus within us is guilty of “leaving her first love”, but she does “hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans.” Ephesus is therefore reminded that she is being  addressed by “he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.”

Those words are appropriate to how Christ presents himself to us when we have left our first love, but we hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans.

The second church we keep within us is Smyrna, and Smyrna in us is above reproach. Smyrna recognizes “the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” Smyrna therefore is reminded that she is being addressed by “the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive.”
That is appropriate to how Christ presents Himself to us when we recognize all the false doctrines and blasphemy of them that say they are Jews and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan. Neither Smyrna nor Philadelphia are admonished against any wrongdoing. Both Smyrna and Philadelphia are encouraged to maintain their fidelity to Christ and His doctrines and both are promised great blessing for their fidelity.

Pergamos within us has ‘given away the farm’ spiritually speaking. To our credit, we are told by Christ, that on the positive side, “Thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and… Antipas… my faithful martyr… was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth”. The dying daily of Antipas within us is contrasted with ‘the doctrine of Balaam, eating things sacrificed to idols, and committing fornication’ which are also within us. “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 Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

This is how Christ presents Himself to us while we are in such a conflicted state. How is it even possible that Christ can tell us that “we hold fast His name and have not denied His faith” and in the same breath tell us that we “hold the doctrine of Balaam [and] the doctrine of the Nicolaitans” (Rev 2:14-15). That apparent contradiction is always cleared up when we are given to know that we all at first ‘receive the Word with joy, but when persecution arises because of the Word, we all fall seven times, teaching us that we of ourselves can do nothing, and then, only after learning that lesson, if it is written in our book to do so, we rise again’:

Mat 13:20  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Mat 13:21  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Pro 24:16  For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Christ wants the church of Pergamos within us to take hope and to know that even in the face of all of these problems within us, there is still great hope if we will “only acknowledge our iniquity…”

Jer 3:13  Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
Jer 3:14  Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

That again is the ‘two-edged’ nature of Christ and His fiery words and doctrines. Those doctrines are death and destruction to our old man, and through that death and destruction those same doctrines bring life and peace to our new man:

Rev 2:12  And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

“Satan’s seat” is “Satan’s thronos” in the Greek. It is while we are ‘falling seven times’ that Satan has set up house on the throne of our hearts and minds because we have succumbed to the authority of the Nicolaitans who at their appointed time bear rule over us. We also, at the appointed time, have within us “them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Israel to eat things offered to idols and to commit fornication.” We are “the Israel of God” (Gal 6:15-16), and yet during the Pergamos part of the revelation of Jesus Christ within us, we ‘hold the doctrine of Balaam’ which teaches us that it is good and loving and tolerant to listen to false teachers and to tolerate their false doctrines. We tell ourselves that in so doing we are “bearing the infirmities of the weak” and showing love and maintaining the unity of the body of Christ. Like the apostle Peter in the high priest’s house during the questioning of Jesus, we want to blend in with the crowd. Nothing could be further from this truth. Blending in with Babylon does not preserve unity. Instead it serves only to “leaven the whole lump” with heresies and to increase the factions within the body. It is much to be preferred to be divided by the Truth than to be united in a lie and a false doctrine. Here is the mind of Christ concerning this ‘doctrine of Balaam… meat offered to idols” which produces spiritual fornication.’

Tit 3:10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
Tit 3:11  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

The commentaries all quote verse 13 and use it as a positive point against which the sins of Pergamos are contrasted.

Rev 2:13  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.
Rev 2:14  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.
Rev 2:15  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Here is Henry’s comments on verse 13. It is typical:

“1. Christ takes notice of the trials and difficulties this church encountered with: I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, etc., Rev 2:13. The works of God’s servants are best known when the circumstances under which they did those works are duly considered. Now that which added very much lustre to the good works of this church was the circumstance of the place where this church was planted, a place where Satan’s seat was. As our great Lord takes notice of all the advantages and opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so he takes notice of all the temptations and discouragements we meet with from the places where we dwell, and makes gracious allowances for them. This people dwelt where Satan’s seat was, where he kept his court. His circuit is throughout the world, his seat is in some places that are infamous for wickedness, error, and cruelty. Some think that the Roman governor in this city was a most violent enemy to the Christians; and the seat of persecution is Satan’s seat.”

[Emphasis mine}

Indeed, Satan’s seat, his throne “is in some places that are infamous for wickedness, error, and cruelty”. Those ‘places’ are always the hearts and minds of the ‘the wicked… the man of sin’ within each of us at our own appointed time, before he is revealed to us and we acknowledge our iniquity and repent of our weaknesses, our sins and our proud and rebellious nature:

Pro 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil [within us].
Pro 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
Pro 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [within us… “Ye are the temple of God” (1Co 3:15-16)]
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God [our hearts and minds], shewing himself that he is God.
2Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his [appointed] time.
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming [The coming of Christ, the Truth, into our hearts and minds]:
2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

How devastating is the outward approach to the revelation of Jesus Christ. “This people dwelt where Satan’s seat was” has no personal or inward application to Matthew Henry nor to anyone else who see the Revelation of Jesus in dispensational terms only. Yet that is how this entire prophecy must continue to be understood if God is going to keep this prophecy “sealed with seven seals” from all of us until we are given eyes that see and ears that hear. It is not given to the multitudes of Christianity, the masses of the “many called” of orthodox, Babylonian Christianity to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven:

Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

How effective at blinding us it is when the Lord keeps us from seeing how we fail to see that we are commanded to “keep those things that are written therein.” Those have been given the gift of seeing and hearing Revelation 1:3 know that Satan’s throne is within us all. Satan’s throne is not in any geographical position in the universe. Satan’s throne usurps Christ’s rightful throne. Satan’s throne is in the hearts and minds of all of his “children of disobedience.” According to the apostle Paul, that is all of us at our appointed time.

Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Joh 8:31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Joh 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Joh 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

1Co 1:1  Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
1Co 1:2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1Co 3:1  And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
1Co 3:2  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1Co 3:4  For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

Both the “Jews which believed on Him” but ‘could not hear His words’, and the Corinthians who were “sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints”, both typify each of us when we are yet spiritually “carnal babes in Christ.” This experience is common to “we all” according to the apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:

Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

This struggle against our flesh is not simply before we are called; it is also after we are called and while we are as “carnal babes in Christ… reading hearing and keeping… what the spirit saith to the seven churches in Asia.”

Gal 4:1  Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child [Greek: nepios, a toddler], differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Gal 4:2  But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Gal 4:3  Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Gal 4:4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Gal 4:5  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

It is only by “hearing what the spirit says to [all seven of] the churches” and by “keeping the things written therein” to all the churches of Asia, that we can ever hope to “receive the adoption of sons.” So we continue:

Rev 2:15  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

The Greek word for ‘children’ in Galatians 4:3 is ‘nepios’ G3516. A ‘nepios’ is a spiritual baby in diapers. The word translated as ‘Son’ in Galatians 4:4 is ‘huios’ G5207. A ‘huios‘ is the Greek word for an adult child. A spiritual ‘huios’ does not tolerate the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, while a ‘nepios‘, the Greek word for a toddler, considers it cold-hearted and unloving and divisive to “hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans.”

We have covered the Nicolaitans in our study of what the spirit had to say to the church at Ephesus.

Rev 2:6  But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

We saw that the Nicolaitans bear dominion over our faith, contrary to the words of Christ when He responded to His disciples arguing about who would be the greatest among them. Because this is so very common, we will look again at this doctrine and what Christ thinks of those who practice this doctrine.

Mat 20:20  Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.
Mat 20:21  And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.
Mat 20:22  But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
Mat 20:23  And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
Mat 20:24  And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
Mat 20:25  But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
Mat 20:26  But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Mat 20:27  And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mat 20:28  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

So we “hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans” at one point as we mature in our walk, and at another point we “have them also” in our very midst. In Ephesus we “hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans”, and in Pergamos we “have also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans”; among many other false doctrines which are brought into our hearts and minds by those who are given to lord it over us in this part of our walk. That is why Christ comes to us as “he which hath the sharp sword with two edges.“

This next verse just logically follows:

Rev 2:16  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

The fact that the spirit says “I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them” proves that all of this is taking place within us, and the battle is not outward but is won by Christ with “the sword of My mouth”… that which is written.”

1Co 4:6 Now these things, brothers, I applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us ye might learn not to think above that which is written, so that ye may not be puffed up, one over the one against the other. (ACV)

It is given to only a few people to see or hear these things of the spirit, and so we are told again, as with every one of these seven churches of Christ within us:

Rev 2:17  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].

Remember, any time we see that phrase “he that hath and ear,” we are actually being told that very few will understand what is being said.

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 (Rev 2:17B).

What incredible blessings are promised to “him that overcometh.”  It is to the overcomers only that it is given to “eat of the hidden manna.”

Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not comparable to the glory that is going to be revealed for us.
Rom 8:19 For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. (ACV)

It is the overcomers only who are “given a white stone, containing a new name, which no man knows  but the man who receives that white stone containing that new name.”

We are told:

Pro 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

‘A good name’ has nothing to do with the verbalizing of any name versus another name. ‘A good name’ has only to do with a good reputation. We do not blaspheme the name of God by calling Him God instead of Yahweh. We blaspheme the name of God among the nations when we disobey Him and do not do the things He tells us to do:

Luk 6:46 And why do ye call me, Lord, Lord, and not do the things that I say?

Christ could care less whether I call Him ‘Jesus’ or ‘Iesus’. He just wants me to do the things [He] says to do.

Rom 2:22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
Rom 2:23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
Rom 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

The ‘new name’ given every man who overcomes is the name “Christ in you the hope of glory”, and no one knows that name but the one to whom it is given.

What are all these promises? Are they not all the same thing? Are they not all nothing less than types of Christ and His words taking up their abode within us? Being given “the spirit of Christ” is “life more abundantly” and is the ultimate gift God can give:

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

It is, of course, the same as “the spirit of God dwelling in you.” Let’s look at how the scriptures define these symbols for us. The definitions are always very illuminating and instructive in and of themselves.

What then, is “the hidden manna?” This phrase comes from the manna which Moses was instructed to place within the ark of the covenant.

Exo 16:32  And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
Exo 16:33  And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.
Exo 16:34  As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

What does the spirit tell us is hidden?

1Co 2:7  But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

1Pe 3:4  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Christ, “the Word” (Joh 1:1), His doctrine, is that “hidden man of the spirit” with “the hidden wisdom” which is the “hidden manna”, and the “new name” which is promised to “him that overcometh.”

Christ tells us that He is the bread that came down from heaven which if a man eats he will live forever.

Joh 6:41  The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.

Joh 6:51  I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Always ask, “What is Christ’s flesh which He gives for the life of the world?” Every time we ask that question about Christ, except when it involves headship, we will always arrive at the same answer:

Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

“The testimony” where the hidden manna is “laid up” in Exodus 16:4 is “the ark of the testimony”, and this “hidden manna” was laid up inside the ark, which means that it is laid up inside Christ, who is our testimony just as we are “of His flesh…”

Rev 1:2  Who [John and Christ in John and in you and me] bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

Rev 1:9  I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 19:10  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

This “hidden manna” was soon lost, just as we all, at one time “leave our first love.”

1Ki 8:1  Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.

1Ki 8:9  There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.

Rev 2:4  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Rev 2:5  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

And will give him a white stone,

What is this “white stone?” We will not find a scripture anywhere else where these two words are together as they are here. We can, line upon line and precept upon precept, determine that this white stone, like everything else in scripture, is concerned in one way or another with Him “by whom and for whom all things were made” (Col 1:16, Rev 4:11).

The only other place in which the Greek word “white stone” used here in Revelation 2:17 is in Acts 26:10.

Act 26:10  Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.^{2702 5586}

The use of a white stone as opposed to a black one was to denote acquital or innocence rather than the guilt meant by use of the black stone. This word use falls right into line with the ‘white linen’ the elect are given. The white stone shows our approval in Christ, our acquital, our voice of innocent verdict.

What does the color white tell us? Whose name is best know in connection with this color?

Mat 17:2  And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Rev 1:14  His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

Rev 3:4  Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

Rev 19:11  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Rev 19:14  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

Rev 20:11  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

It is only Christ, and those who are with Him who “walk in white,” because white is primarily associated with Christ. The white throne and the white stone are both Christ in His people, in His elect.

And in the stone a new name written

What is this “new name” which is written in this “white stone?” Is there any doubt what name is given to Christ’s elect?

Mat 10:22  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name‘s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

Mat 18:5  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Mat 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Joh 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The holy spirit itself comes only in Christ’s name. That name of Jesus is the only name that is above every name that is named, and it is He who is our father and “of whom the whole creation in heaven and in earth is named” (Eph 3:15):

Eph 1:18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Eph 1:20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],
Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Eph 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Eph 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Eph 3:10  To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Eph 3:11  According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Eph 3:12  In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Eph 3:13  Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Eph 3:14  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

We are named after our father, and our father is Christ:

Isa 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

So we are named after our Father, and our Father is named after His Father, and once again we have to come to see that “as He is so are we in this world.”

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

While there are billions of people who claim the name of Christ, there are very few who know that name. The name of Christ, is for the most part “blasphemed among the heathen through those who claim that name:

Rom 2:24  For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

Like the apostle Paul, we all ignorantly blaspheme the name of God for many years before we begin to repent and to quit blaspheming that name.

1Ti 1:12  And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
1Ti 1:13  Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.

Hebrew and Greek vocalizations of names given God are not the subject of any of the verses which mention the name of God. “A good name” has nothing to do with vocalizations of physical names. “A good name” has everything to do with a good life and a pure mind and conscience before God. The only way we can possibly properly name the name of Christ or His Father is to forsake evil:

2Ti 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

While billions call themselves by Christ’s name, the only ones who know that new name written in that white stone are those who “depart from iniquity” and can honestly call Christ their Lord:

Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Conclusion

We have reviewed what is signified by the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, and we saw that it signifies the point in our walk when we have the doctreine and spirit of the Nicolaitans within us.

Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Rev 2:16  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev 2:17  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.

So we have reviewed what is the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, and we say that at this point in our walk we have the Nicholaitans within us.

Rev 2:15  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

We saw that “I will come to thee and fight again them” proves that this doctrine is within us.

Rev 2:16  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them

We have seen that the only way to purge ourselves of this hateful doctrine is through “the sword of My mouth”, the Word of God, which so very few people are willing to obey.

Rev 2:16  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Again we saw the phrase “He that hath an ear” reminding us that very few will indeed hear what the spirit is saying to the churches.

Finally, we saw that with all of these problems within us, Christ presents Himself to us “He that has the sharp sword with two edges”, and yet we are still encouraged to be overcomers and we “are given  great and precious promises.”  We saw that the “hidden manna… the white stone… and the name written in that stone” are all “Christ in us the hope of glory”, and we saw that not everyone who claims that name really knows Christ, but only those “who do the will of My Father which is in heaven.”

Next week, Lord willing, we will see even more of what is within us as we learn about the revelation of Christ within us. Here is what the spirit writes to Thyatira within us.

Here are the next “things which are written therein [for us to] read… hear… and keep”:

Rev 2:18  And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet [are] like fine brass;
Rev 2:19  I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last [to be] more than the first.
Rev 2:20  Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21  And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22  Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23  And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Rev 2:24  But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Rev 2:25  But that which ye have [already] hold fast till I come.
Rev 2:26  And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27  And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Rev 2:28  And I will give him the morning star.
Rev 2:29  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.