What is the meaning of Revelation 2:6? But you have this to your credit - Jesus begins with commendation, just as He praised other faithful servants (Matthew 25:21; Hebrews 6:10). - He reminds the Ephesian believers that He sees and remembers every act of steadfastness (Revelation 2:2; 1 Corinthians 15:58). - By highlighting “credit,” the Lord keeps their focus on eternal reward rather than earthly applause (Colossians 3:23-24). You hate the works of the Nicolaitans - “Works” points to practices, not persons. The Lord consistently calls us to reject evil while still desiring all people to repent (Ezekiel 18:23; 2 Peter 3:9). - The Nicolaitans promoted compromise with idolatry and immorality (Revelation 2:14-15), echoing earlier seductions of God’s people (Numbers 25:1-3; Jude 4). - Healthy hatred of sin guards the church from spiritual erosion: • Separate from darkness (Ephesians 5:11). • Guard doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13-14). • Maintain pure worship (John 4:24). - Loving what is righteous naturally produces revulsion toward corrupt practices (Psalm 101:3; Romans 12:9). which I also hate - Jesus openly declares His hatred of these works, revealing His unchanging holiness (Psalm 45:7; Hebrews 13:8). - Divine hatred flows from perfect love and justice; anything that destroys His people provokes His opposition (Proverbs 6:16-19; Zechariah 8:17). - Believers are called to share His perspective: • Align hearts with His (Psalm 97:10). • Expose, not excuse, destructive teachings (Galatians 1:8-9). • Persevere in truth, trusting that Christ stands with those who stand with Him (James 4:4-8). summary Jesus honors the Ephesian church for rejecting the corrupt practices of the Nicolaitans, a stance He Himself shares. Their discernment and refusal to compromise reveal a heart aligned with the Lord’s own holiness. In every generation, believers are urged to cling to truth, reject destructive doctrines, and find encouragement in knowing that Christ both notices and applauds faithful devotion to His Word. |
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