These Things Saith He Unto the Angel of the Church in Pergamos

¹²And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

¹³I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

¹⁴But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

¹⁵So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

¹⁶Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

¹⁷He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it (Revelation 2:12-17).

These things saith He

which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

This statement is important because it reminds us that Jesus’s words are powerful, dangerous, and can only truly come from Him. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, and His word is described as a sharp, two-edged sword.

Jesus is the Word of God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.[i]

In Genesis, we can read the story of creation. God spoke all things into existence. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” [ii] Jesus, the Word of God, is the Light of Life. This is the light that gives life to every soul, many of which are being raised as sons of God through the adoption of Jesus Christ. [iii] Jesus who is the first begotten Son of God and the Word of God made flesh lights the way for all who would follow Him. He shows us the way by bringing the Father to light through the life that He lived, the teachings He taught, and His obedience to the Father.

When the Word lived among us, He had a lot to say, and many of those words are recorded in the gospels. He also had apostles who served Him by bringing His words to people of all nations. Being the ambassadors of Christ, their words are His words, and we have some of the letters that they wrote on His behalf. We also have the Revelation of Jesus Christ—and this is just the New Testament. The Old Testament also contains the words of God as spoken by the prophets and many historical accounts that provide lessons about who God is and His will for mankind.

God has always given His word to man, and most notably through Jesus who is the Word of God. We also have the Holy Spirit who lives with man and within man, teaching man the good things of God in Jesus Christ and raising man up into a son of God as the Word is “written on the fleshly tables of the heart.” [iv] Here are some scriptures about Jesus as the Word of God:

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me (John 14:10).

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me (John 5:30).

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (John 6:63).

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me (John 17:8).

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (1 Corinthians 8:6).

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:20-21).

Jesus Kills and Makes Alive.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [v]

Being Light, the Word of God can see all things, dividing truth from lie, righteousness from unrighteousness, and life from death. When His Word comes—which is perfectly true, righteous, and life-giving, all that is contrary to that word is sifted and destroyed. [vi] The lies, unrighteousness, and all dead things are defeated by the most powerful weapon of God—the Word of God which is the sword of the Spirit. [vii]

When the Word of God became flesh and lived among us, He defeated many untrue things, including the idea that righteousness could come from following the law. Jesus taught what righteousness really means as He who is less concerned about outward observances of rules and regulations, and more concerned with the “thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

For example, Jesus teaches that hating your brother in your heart is akin to murder, and lusting after a woman in your heart is akin to adultery. The Word of God taught a lot of things, and the things that He taught and the life that He lived demonstrates the obedience that God truly desires, which is hinged on loving God with all you have and loving your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus also teaches that if we love His word and strive to keep it, then He will send the Holy Spirit to indwell us. The Holy Spirit makes the Word of God alive in our hearts, and in so doing tests our hearts and reveals our sin to us. The Holy Spirit also helps us die to sin and raises us in the things of righteousness and life. As our hearts are conformed to Jesus, the Word comes out of us through our actions and things that we speak when done in the Spirit of God. [viii]

The servants of God are responsible for properly handling the word of God, and this is only made possible when the Word of God lives within us and comes out into the world through a sincere and obedient heart, and this is His work in us. As Jesus said, ^“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” [ix]

When His servants properly care for His word, the world hates them just as they hated Him, and many are killed for the Word. Many die for Him, but those who have the everlasting Word in them will live as He breathes the breath of life back into them when He returns.

When the Word of God returns, He will judge all things. Jesus will divide the just from the unjust, the faithful servants from the unfaithful servants, and the living from the dead. [x] He will bring the Light of Life back to those who were killed for His sake, and His Word—which is Spirit, a fire, and a sword, will consume all lies and wickedness. Below are some scriptures that relate to the word of God being a sharp two-edged sword:

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:16).

He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. (John 8:47).

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (1 Corinthians 2:15).

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4).

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21).

Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29)

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God (Revelation 19:15).

One day, Jesus who is the Word of God will return, and the sword that comes out of His mouth will judge the earth. As those who have faith in Him, we are passed from judgment to life. Having received so great a salvation, we should take the time to consider all that He has to say to the best of our ability, by the grace of God. Let us consider what Jesus is teaching us by His Spirit to the Church of Pergamos:

“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

What is Satan’s seat, and what does it mean to dwell there? It seems that we can know what this means by considering Jesus as the Word of God then comparing that to what the scriptures say about Satan.

Jesus testifies to the truth, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. Jesus came to give us life. Jesus does not need the praise of man, but only sought to do the will of the Father and to glorify Him. Jesus speaks the words of God because He IS the Word of God. Jesus pleads for the Father to forgive man, and Jesus sacrificed Himself so that many would be forgiven. Jesus raises the dead flesh to life, both as He works His will in us by the Spirit and when He returns to raise our dead bodies from the grave.

Satan is a liar. He only comes to kill and destroy. He wants praise from man and He slanders God. He inverts the words of God (“you shall not surely die” is an example). He accuses man to God. He can act as a “thorn in our flesh.” Satan is also the “son of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” [xi]

That scripture sounds like “Satan’s seat.” Satan sits where only God should sit, and He inverts the ways of God for his own gain at the expense of others. Where God would bring the truth, Satan brings deception. Where the Son would honor the Father and the Holy Spirit the Son, Satan honors himself. Where God would bring freedom from sin, Satan brings captivity to sin. Where God would establish justice and righteousness and hold Himself to the same standard He puts on us—even to the point of becoming man and experiencing death, Satan is above the law.

There are many who claim to be ministers of God, but God is not on the throne of their heart (which is also the temple of God if the Spirit dwells in you). Satan rules them, and they do his works.

How is it that the Church of Pergamos is said to have kept the name of Jesus and have not denied His faith? Jesus said that many would come in His name, saying that He is Christ. Yet, they would deceive many. [xii] This can be true here also. The Church of Pergamos says that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. They preach the gospel of Jesus’s death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Yet, they do not truly serve Him. They serve themselves because being a Christian minister is profitable for them.

Who is Antipas, the faithful martyr who was slain among them? Historically, this is said to be a disciple of John who was killed because he refused and denounced Christian participation in idolatry and sacrifices, which was punishable by death under the reign of Emperor Nero. How would one apply a Method of Interpretation that looks for the spirit of the letters to the churches—a spirit that applies to all of time and not just a single point in time? Does this have a present or future fulfilment?

It seems that the letters to the churches provide a snapshot of the spiritual state of the church prior to the coming of the false Christ for the purpose of edifying the true believers and judging the false—as the two-edged word of God is created to do. Therefore, it is possible that there will be a martyr who is killed for their resistance to the carnality of the Synagogue of Satan. Most likely, this martyr is not merely an individual named Antipas, but an individual who we can look to in history that is representative of many who will also die as faithful witnesses for Jesus Christ.

“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.”

What is this doctrine of Balaam? This takes place in Numbers 22-24, and there seems to be a lot happening within that story. Thankfully, the general failure of Balaam is described in 2 Peter 2 and Jude 1.

Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15).
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots (Jude 1:11-12).

These entire chapters are highly relevant, so it would benefit one greatly to read these full chapters, along with the account in Numbers to get a full view. More context surrounding the scriptures above is included at the end of this chapter.

The general idea is that these are prophets for hire who twist the grace of God into something that makes living a sinful life acceptable. They received the knowledge of the truth of Jesus Christ and His gospel, yet they turned back to sin, and they use the grace of God to justify themselves and the sins of others—and they use the word of God to do so.

They quote the bible out of context to preach soft sermons that make many comfortable with living a sinful life, and why not? Telling people what they want to hear is the best way to keep a building or television, radio, or Online ministry full of happy donors. They do not have the Spirit of God but walk in the spirit of Satan as they twist the words of God for gain in this world and social exaltation while openly or secretly pursuing their own desires.

Some might even preach righteousness, but they themselves do not obey what they teach or strive to grow in those regards as one who is honest about their sin, repentant, and faithfully seeking the Spirit of God to work the good things of God in them. Instead, they play pastor like a kid playing make-believe, then they go on to live a life of sin when they think no one is watching them. If they had true faith, they would know that the Spirit of Truth is always watching, and He will judge them for their faithlessness, hypocrisy, and their lying ministries that “turn the grace of God into lasciviousness.”

“So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.”

As discussed more fully in The Symbolism, it is the opinion of the author of These Things Saith He that the “doctrine or deeds of the Nicolaitanes” is a general stand-in for teachings that condone a worldly form of Christianity. As for the Church of Pergamos, this is shown through their mishandling of the grace and forgiveness of God, using His mercy as a license to sin and seek the pleasures of this world without consequence.

It is no wonder that they blaspheme heaven and those who dwell therein. Such as these characterize heaven as a place of never-ending pleasure and self-indulgence. Jesus is busy building them a mansion in heaven. The carpenter works away, preparing for them a place where they can fulfill every carnal desire—and why not? This is the heaven they live in now—which is no heaven—because the Spirit of God is not bringing the real kingdom of God that “comes not with observation” and is “within you.” No, their present-day heaven is sin and those who are truly of the Kingdom are spoken evil of.

In reality, both the kingdom that comes within us by the Holy Spirit and the kingdom to come is a land of righteousness in which we come to know Jesus more fully and serve Him—not ourselves—forever.

“Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

Those who misuse the word of God to condone a life of ungodliness—purchased by the blood of the Son of God—will have to face Him one day. He who is the Word of God will fight against them with His true word, and all their lies will be consumed, as well as those who peddled lies in the Name of Jesus for their own gain. It is fitting that those who abused the word would be judged by it.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

“For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” [xiii] Those who are faithful to the words of Jesus are given a truer understanding of His word—even He who is the Word of God. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” [xiv]

Those who overcome are also given a new name—a name that Jesus Himself gives them. The false prophets and ministers for hire have a name in the earth. Meaning, people know who they are, and they are well-regarded and loved by many while those who are faithful to Jesus are often slandered and hated.

Those who overcome are given a better name—not one among men, but one given by Jesus Himself that is true to the individual who receives it. The Word divides and judges as He looks into the core of the person, and what He will see and declare about His servants is good. This name is not to be flaunted to be seen as something great in the eyes of others, nor would that be desired because receiving this name from Jesus shows His approval, which is the only approval that matters.

Concern for Present-Day Ministers of Jesus

It is difficult to imagine that a minister of the spirit of Pergamos would repent, because they most likely do not believe in the first place. However, it is possible that there are some who sincerely want to serve Jesus but are raised in the faith by Pergamos-like ministers. This could corrupt the heart of those who would otherwise be faithful to the Word of God and those entrusted to their care.

If this is the case for any would read this, then the best thing would probably be to back down from ministry, seek Jesus for yourself, become filled with the Spirit of God in truth, and perhaps He would call you to become a faithful minister—not ordained by the corrupt seminaries of man, but by the will and Spirit of God.

On another note, the scriptures are written in an interesting manner that allows for varying interpretations and disagreements among believers and nonbelievers alike. It seems likely that the written word of God tries the hearts of man just as Jesus who is the Word of God made flesh tried man, and just as the Holy Spirit tries the hearts of those who He inhabits. “Take heed how ye hear.” The word of God is dangerous, so take it seriously.

Concern for Christian Brethren Generally

If the church that you attend or the ministry, music, or other Christian culture that you consume condones a life of sin paid for by the blood of Jesus, then get out and get away. This is not a true servant of Jesus Christ, but of Satan. It is true that the blood of the Son of God washes away our sins, and there is none that can accuse us before God because we have passed from judgement to life. However, this presumes good faith, and good faith means that we have a sincere heart towards Jesus.

We are not merely paying lip-service to God while we take His Son for granted, using Him as a pass to serve ourselves and not Him. That is not the gospel, and that is not salvation. The gospel is that those who believe in Jesus, the Son of God who died for our sins and now lives, would find freedom sin and from the punishment for sin, which is death. Those who believe in Him will also receive Him in His everlasting kingdom—a kingdom of righteousness.

^“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (2 Peter 3:11-13).”

We will not live a life of hedonism while claiming Jesus, then “go to heaven” and pursue carnal pleasure forevermore. When our King returns, He will say, “well done good and faithful servant.” And also, “Now rise and serve me.” [xv]

Do not be surprised if questioning the ministers of Pergamos results in slander and accusations. They accuse people of denying the faith and replacing grace with works. Some state that those who oppose them are “accusers of the brethren,” which is ironic and hypocritical because they accuse those who point out their sinful and heretical misuse of the sacrifice of Jesus.

They are very much like the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’s day. They do not serve God. They serve their own self-interest, positions of power and authority, and they do not like anyone who would threaten their ministries that make them rich, powerful, and popular—in scales great and small.

If you cannot question a minister without being shunned and having your faith accused or belittled because you take the things of God “too seriously,” then that’s a good indicator that you are not dealing with a true person of God. In all things, test what you have been taught and go to the source who is Jesus Christ and ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Truth so that you will not be deceived by these sorts of ministers and those who follow them.

In Conclusion

Jesus is the Word of God. His word, which proceeds out of His mouth, is called a sharp, two-edged sword. The written word of God that is given to us through the scriptures is also a two-edged sword. Both the written word of God and things spoken in the name of Jesus, when misused, lead to a lot of harm. Perhaps most notable among these misuses is that which uses the word of God to justify a wicked lifestyle.

As a Christian, we are saved by faith in Jesus that comes to us by the grace of God. Our works do not save us. We are covered by the blood of the Lamb of God. Therefore, there is no curse that can come upon us from God. Remember Balac who could not cause God to curse His people. However, as Balac discovered through the counsel of Balaam, the people could cause the wrath of God to come upon themselves if they forsook God and turned to idolatry. Though our faith in Jesus makes us blameless before God, wanton disregard for the blood that was shed to make our covenant with God can leave us as those who followed to ways of Balac and Balaam.

If we say that our sins do not matter because we are forgiven, and therefore go on to live as unrighteous as we please without regard for the calling we have in Christ—a calling to lay aside sin by His power in us as we serve Him and not this world—then we are rejecting the covenant. Our faith is a sham, and it does not matter how we might use the word of God to justify ourselves because that very same word will testify against us.

Where is Satan’s seat? Is it not the seat that seeks to usurp the throne of Jesus through lies, half-truths, and seducing people away from the right way? This church holds on to the name of Jesus and believes in His sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. This is good; however, it is possible to treat the sacrifice of Jesus with such disregard that our faith is not acceptable.

Our use of the word of God demonstrates our faith in Jesus. Or the lack thereof. Therefore, it is fitting that the word of God would be used to combat those who misuse the word of God in such a manner that leads many astray into faithlessness and wanton sin that disrespects the blood of the Lamb that was slain to provide atonement, and eventually, worship of Satan himself who is the false christ.

Jesus is the bread of life that comes down from God out of heaven, as He stated. Jesus is also the word of God—and as Jesus also stated— “man cannot live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” [xvi] Those who overcome misuse of the word of God, in all the forms thereof, are given the true word of God. They are given true understanding of scripture; they are given true knowledge of the Lord, Jesus Christ; they are given the promise of His return and a greater oneness with our Creator, Savior, and King.

He also gives us a new name because He knows us deeply, even better than we know ourselves. At the time that we know Him, even as He knows us, we will also know ourselves, even as we are known by Him. We will see just how precious we are and that His blood was not shed for no reason—and by His grace—we are made faithful to Jesus, who is the living Word of God.

Therefore, let us stand in faith by the grace of God who teaches us how to deny this world and follow Jesus instead, not misuse His sacrifice or His word to justify the sins that He died to release us from.

That being stated, it is important to remember that the fight against the flesh and sin is an ongoing battle for us until we are raised in our resurrected bodies.

Do not give space to The Accuser. The blood of the Lamb does indeed cover us. If our heart is sincere towards Jesus and we want to serve Him faithfully, we will find freedom from sin as He works in us to free us according to the grace we receive and the calling He has purposed for us in our service to Him and our brethren. Those who are honest about their sin, genuinely want to do right, and believe in Jesus for forgiveness are not condemned. They are “passed from judgement to life.” [xvii]

Our heart toward Jesus is the difference—which comes by grace first because all things come from God and are for His purposes. If His grace is upon us, then we will fear His word and we will strive to live by it—and He who is the Word will live with us, bringing the Kingdom of heaven to us by the Spirit. Jesus will return also, and He will judge all things righteously and with mercy towards those who are of a repentant heart, who call out to Him, and who trust in all that the Word has spoken.

“To this man will I look; even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, that trembles at my word.” [xviii]

Additional Scriptures when Considering the Letter to the Church of Pergamos

Below are some scriptures that helped inform the understanding given within this chapter of These Things Saith He. The full chapters contain important information, so please read all scripture in context listed here and those mentioned elsewhere as you have the time and opportunity to do so:

But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not (2 Peter 2:1-3).

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men (2 Peter 3:3-7).

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire (Jude 1:4-7).

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:11-13).

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents (1 Corinthians 10: 1-9).

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak (Ephesians 6:16-20).

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! (James 3:1-5)

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: (Matthew 24:11-16).

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords (Revelation 19:13-16).

[i] John 1:1-5

[ii] Genesis 1:3

[iii] Hebrews 2:10

[iv] 2 Corinthians 3:3, Jeremiah 31:33

[v] Hebrews 4:12

[vi] Matthew 25, Matthew 13

[vii] Ephesians 6

[viii] John 14-16

[ix] John 15:3-4

[x] Matthew 25, Matthew 13

[xi] 2 Thessalonians 2:4

[xii] Matthew 24:5