Once saved forever saved? Nicolaitane?- Daily devotional from Pastor E.A Adeboye

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Zech 4 -6
A NICOLAITANE? Friday, December 3, 2010
MEMORIZE: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17) READ: Rev. 2:1-7 In Revelation chapter 2 and 3, the Lord wrote letters to seven churches which are a symbol of the church today.  The first was addressed to the church at Ephesus, which was an Asian market place and banking nerve centre of the world then because it had a great safe in the temple of Diana. Anything kept there was said to be totally safe. The city of Ephesus was very religious with Diana as the matron goddess of prostitutes. The temple of Diana was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world having 20 pillars each 60 feet high, 36 of which were gold-plated. In that temple were devoted prostitutes who were ready to minister to anybody through fornication. Also, any criminal that found his way into that temple was deemed free. In this city was a very strong and vibrant church to which much of Paul’s time was devoted.  Timothy, a strong believer was its first Bishop and had eminent supporters such as Aquila, Priscilla, Apollos and John. One lesson we learn from this letter is that because Jesus Christ has the stars - pastors of the churches in His hands, He can take care of them and their needs. Are you a minister of God? The Lord can and will take care of you and those under your ministry. And because you are in His hands, He knows and monitors all your movements. Each time you slip or stray from His will, He knows. In addition, the Lord acknowledged that the church at Ephesus hated what He hated. One thing that stands you out as a believer is your ability to hate what Jesus hates and love what He loves. If you have been recreated in Christ, old things have passed away - including your passions, desires, and inordinate ambitions. The new birth affects your tastes and life-style.  It is a change that when it occurs, affects every nook and cranny of your life. Do you love what He loves and hate what He hates? Moreover, the Lord said He hated the Nicolaitanes because they believe and teach that once you are saved, you are forever saved, the sins you commit afterwards notwithstanding. Although proponents of such erroneous teachings are still with us today, they have however modified their approach. Anyone who tells you that it is impossible to be totally perfect or holy is a Nicolaitane. If because you are struggling with your flesh you begin to teach that no one can be holy, you are pitching your tent in the enemy’s camp and calling for judgment.  Repent today and turn a new leaf. ACTION POINT: Worship the Holy Spirit for an hour today.  Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. N.B Support the www.10millionexercisebooks.com project today