Who were the Nicolaitans? The Nicolaitans were a heretical group from the early Christian church. Meaning their beliefs and opinions were contrary to the church. They are mentioned in the Book of Revelation. They promoted a form of antinomianism which was the belief that Christians are not bound by moral laws. They believed that a person is freed from the obligation to obey God’s moral law through divine grace. They advocated for accommodation with the surrounding pagan culture, suggesting that lowering standards and joining in worldly activities would not be harmful and was a way to gain acceptance. This led to moral compromise within the church.
Jesus had strong words about the Nicolaitans. As we see in Revelation 2:6 (KJV) But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. And again in Revelation 2:15 (KJV) So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Jesus hated what they were doing. That is something to pay attention to that we are careful to avoid if Jesus hates it. It is interesting that Jesus first refers to their deeds, but next He calls it their doctrine. This is how something like this starts. It may start as a thought that progresses into an action, but can soon become a doctrine. Paul would write though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8 KJV). Not that there really is another gospel (Galatians 1:7 NET).
As I have heard said grace is not a license to sin. Paul would write What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein (Romans 6:1-2 KJV)?
We understand that references to the world in scripture represent worldly sinful nature. James would write don’t you know that friendship with the world is enmity toward God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God (James 4:4 NIV). John would write do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world 1 John 2:15-16 NIV).
This is important to know, so we don’t end up in the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. We don’t want to be listed with a group that Jesus hates. We must remember that Jesus came to save us from our sins not in our sins. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).
Deuteronomy 5:32: “You must be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you must not turn aside to the right or to the left”.
John 14:15: “If you love me, keep my commands”.