The Danger of Spiritual Tolerance: A Lesson from the Church in Pergamum

Summary

Our culture accepts constant commercial persuasion but rejects spiritual accountability, insisting that all beliefs are equally valid. Revelation’s message to the church in Pergamum exposes the danger of tolerating false teaching and spiritual compromise. Though faithful under persecution, some believers adopted worldly values, leading to spiritual adultery. Jesus warns that He will judge Christians and churches that tolerate sin. Only He satisfies our deepest needs and deserves full loyalty, without rivals for our time, devotion, and resources.

Constant Persuasion in a Commercial World

Americans face about 15 minutes of sales pitches every hour they watch television. Endlessly, they hear how manufacturers' products will improve their lives.

Last summer, a young man knocked on my door and tried to convince me to buy his company’s insect extermination service.

Another company from whom we bought our chest freezer continues to offer us an extended warranty years after our purchase. We expect unending sales pressure.

There is no live-and-let-live attitude in the commercial world. Companies try to change our minds so we will use their products. They are intolerant of their competitors’ successes.

A Confusing View of Spiritual Tolerance

The spiritual realm has different rules. Most Americans believe no one should try to change another’s spiritual beliefs. They believe that truth and faith are private matters. Religious tolerance is essential.

They think people should be able to believe what they want. They insist that people of all faiths pray to the same God, and absolute truth does not exist.

That is why they disregard Jesus’ claim to be the truth and one way to the Father (John 14:6). They believe tolerance is the highest virtue in the spiritual realm.

They promote letting others live however they want because they want to live as they please. Let us look at what Jesus said to the tolerant church in Pergamum.

Jesus Challenges a Tolerant Church

Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) was a worship center for four of the most important pagan cults of the day. They competed with Christianity. Christians in Pergamum had a super glue faith. Great opposition did not deter them.

Spiritual Tolerance Leads to Spiritual Adultery

They did not burn incense to the emperor or declare “Caesar is Lord.” But some of them succumbed to the false teaching of Balaam associated with eating things sacrificed to idols and committing fornication.

It appears the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:15) were the same group as the Balaamites. Both names described Christians whose lives Jesus did not shape. The world did.

Christ Will Judge Spiritual Compromise

They were guilty of spiritual adultery. The church at Pergamum tolerated that. Because it did, Jesus threatened to come in judgment against that church (Revelation 2:16).

Jesus Alone Satisfies

Jesus promised overcomers the heavenly food unavailable in any market. He is the bread of life.

He satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger. Substitutes for Him cannot. The white stone is our engraved invitation to the Lamb’s banquet.

Who Is Lord of Your Life?

So, what competes with serving Jesus Christ as Lord of your life? What interferes with supporting His church faithfully by your presence, natural gifts, talents, and means?

The things on which you spend most of your time, gifts, talents, and means are the real lords of your life. They are God’s competitors.

He tolerates no rivals (Exodus 34:14). He will judge those who practice spiritual adultery and churches that tolerate them. What is your takeaway? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources 

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