Read Revelation 2:12-17
Spoiler alert: At the end of Revelation, Jesus wins. That is probably not shocking, but maybe it seems odd to be talking about the end of the book before we are even out of the second chapter. Apparently, John did not think so. If you have read Revelation before, “the sword of [Jesus’] mouth” probably sounds familiar. It is the same way Jesus wins the final battle in 19:17–21. So what do the Nicolaitans, whom Jesus threatens with the sword from His mouth, have to do with the last rebellious army, which Jesus defeats with the sword from His mouth? Both are leading people away from God’s truth and gospel toward idolatry and immorality. So both will meet the same end: God’s judgment and eternal death.
But there is a key difference between those who hold to the teachings of the Nicolaitans and the army of Chapter 19: There is hope for the people in Pergamum. Verse 16 begins with a key word that is easy to overlook: “Otherwise.” That means there is hope for the church in Pergamum to show those with false doctrine the error of their ways and save them from Jesus’ sword! The point Jesus gets across is that the church in Pergamum needs to help these people see the error of their ways before it is too late.
Now, before you take that teaching and begin your very own heresy hunt, remember what Jesus said about pointing out the speck in your brother’s eye (see Matthew 7:3–5). First, pull the plank out of your own eye so you can see clearly. Then, after you have examined and corrected yourself, gently approach fellow Believers who are deceived by the teachings of others to excuse sin. In doing so, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
