Introduction
It is obvious to the Bible-believing Christian that false prophets are in
abundance in today’s church, but how do we guard against the doctrines that
they teach? The church at Thyatira, as seen in the Book of Revelation, was
complacent, corrupt and compromised. The believers tolerated false teachers,
especially the self-appointed prophetess whom the Lord called “Jezebel.”
Historically Jezebel was the wicked wife of king Ahab of Israel. She was able to
influence Ahab to promote Baal worship and all kinds of evil in the nation (see
1 Kings 16:31-33). False worship and false doctrine go hand-in-hand. Today’s
church has much to learn from the errors of Thyatira.
Jesus sees it all
“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things
saith the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet
are like fine brass” (Revelation 2:18).
The name “Thyatira” literally
means “continual sacrifice” and
many Bible commentators suggest that it signifies the age when the Roman
Catholic Mass was introduced [around A.D. 500] in defiance of the all sufficient
sacrifice of Christ … “But this man,
after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand
of God” (Hebrews 10:12).
The apostle Paul may have ministered to this church during his trip to Asia
Minor … “And this continued by the
space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the
Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10). Whatever godly foundation
it had, this church quickly fell into false unity, humanism and sentimentality.
Because Thyatira was known for its trade guilds [unions], which were probably
types of freemasonary and associated with various gods, she was highly respected
by all. To all outward appearance the church looked like a solid, stable and
loving body, but the Lord saw things very differently. The piercing eyes of
Christ burns deep into the façade of religion.
“I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy
patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding
I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel,
which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit
fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols” (Revelation
2:19-20).
Thyatira was a noteworthy church by today’s standards. No doubt it was
experiencing growth as it diligently promoted the doctrines they stood for. Man
might have commended this church, but the Lord condemns it!
The problem was that they permitted and encouraged a false prophetess to
minister to the body of Christ. This would be like allowing a Hindu, Moslem or
Buddhist to preach from our pulpits. What she taught must have sounded like the
word of God, but instead it was satanic sugar-coated poison. Her doctrine was
based upon multi-faith unity, thus idolatry began to be introduced to this
congregation.
Jezebel’s judgement
“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented
not. Behold, I will cast her into a
bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they
repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the
churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I
will give unto every one of you according to your works” (Revelation
2:21-23).
In His mercy the Lord gave this woman time to repent. Does this infer that she
was once a true believer who became an apostate? The Lord must have sent
messengers to her to warn her about the false doctrines she taught, but she
refused to listen. Her teaching ministry was a business to her in this wealthy
city. This “Jezebel” was
destroying the church; therefore the Lord would destroy her.
The prophetess, and all who followed her teachings, would be severely judged by
Christ. There is no salvation for those who persist in false doctrine and turn a
deaf ear to the true word of God. This outpouring of wrath would achieve two
things: firstly, it would reveal that the Lord does not tolerate false prophets,
and, secondly, it would be a wake-up call to all the other churches. Every
believer in every church will be judged according to their actions. No one can
hide from their sin by blaming it all upon the false teacher.
The overcomer’s reward
“But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have
not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak;
I will put upon you none other burden …And he that overcometh, and keepeth my
works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule
them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to
shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning
star” (Revelation 2:24, 26-28).
Standing for the truth is often a heavy burden as we watch the church slipping
further away from the doctrines of Christ. Prophets may come with “deep teachings” that astound the gullible, but we know them for
what they are. Even with this
burden the believer can overcome by being obedient to the Lord. Such overcomers
are the only ones permitted to share in the victory and glory of the Saviour. We
do not need halos when the “morning
star” shines upon us.
Endure unto the end
“But that which ye have already hold fast till I come … He that hath
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Revelation
2:25, 29).
Are we truly listening to the Holy Spirit in these days? Did Thyatira heed the
call to repent? History reveals that she did not. Jesus, speaking of true
believers, states, “he that shall endure
unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). This means that
there will always be a church [though a remnant] to promote the pure doctrines
of the word of God … Upon this rock I
will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew
16:18). Until Christ comes the Scripture will be our infallible authority in all
things pertaining to faith and practice.
Conclusion
We live in a society that tolerates everything but Biblical truth, but as
Christians we must not tolerate error or false religion in the Body of Christ.
We want our lives to measure up to God’s standard of truth, holiness and
righteousness. Unlike the church of Thyatira we must commit ourselves to the
Lord rather than compromise with Satan.
Page created 6 February 2006