Taking Sin Seriously

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 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. 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. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 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. - Revelation 2:12-17

Jesus introduces His message to Pergamos by reminding them of the sharp two-edged sword proceeding from His mouth. This symbolises the Word of God that will soon cut to their hearts concerning compromise in their midst.

The city of Pergamos was an epicentre of pagan idolatry and immorality. Yet Jesus commends the believers there for clinging to His name despite persecution. For the most part, they had resisted the rampant evil around them.

However, Jesus takes issue with Pergamos' tolerance of sin within its walls. Some members dabbled in idolatry and sexual immorality. These wayward sheep should have been confronted and corrected for their own good. But instead, they remained unchallenged as part of the flock, to its detriment.

Jesus rebukes Pergamos for allowing open sin in the church. One bad apple can indeed spoil the bunch. Rather than condoning ungodliness under the guise of grace, sin must be confronted. The church is called to help restore fallen members through accountability and discipline if necessary. It never helps to simply turn a blind eye.

The Pergamos church reminds us that holiness matters. We cannot overlook blatant sin in the body. While certainly showing grace, we must also uphold God's standards. Sin quickly spreads when left unchecked.

We may sometimes feel pressure to accommodate unbiblical beliefs or behaviours within the church for fear of hurting someone’s feelings or appearing unloving and uncaring. But Jesus does not tolerate such spiritual leniency. He calls the church to turn from wickedness and obey Him.  He teaches us to speak the truth in love.

With tender rebuke, the Lord urges Pergamos to repent. He wants their testimony restored so they can share the saving message of the Risen Christ without hindrance. Though He will war against unrepentant sin, Jesus remains eager to forgive the penitent heart.

Once more, this letter closes with "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Christ's warning to Pergamos resounds today. May we uphold God's truth and refuse to accommodate sin in our midst, all while doing so with grace, humility, and discernment. God desires His church to be holy as He is holy.